There is some doubt over the correct identification of this species. It is based on 'Gemsbok Bean & Kalahari Truffle'[], which describes the plant as having tubers, often growing one on top of another. However, the 'Flora of Southern Africa'[] describes the plant as having a cluster of fleshy roots. Whether the report in [] has wrongly identified the plant or not, it is almost certain that the roots or tubers of Ceropegia purpurascens will be edible both raw and cooked[].

Common Name:

General Information

Ceropegia purpurascens is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing annual, climbing stems from a cluster of succulent roots. The stems can grow from 0.5 - 3 metres long, scrambling over the ground or twining into other plants for support[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use of its edible roots.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - Namibia, Botswana.

Habitat

Fairly dense shade under trees and shrubs[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of semi-arid areas in the tropics and subtropics, where it can be found at elevations from 900 - 1,200 metres[].
Grows best in a shady position[].

Edible Uses

Root - raw or, more commonly, cooked[]. A cluster of pencil-shaped, succulent roots according to one report[], or small tubers according to another[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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