Common Name:

General Information

Rhoicissus tomentosa is an evergreen climbing shrub producing woody stems 25 metres or more long from globose root tubers 15 - 20cm in diameter[, ]. The stems, which can be 25cm in diameter at the base, have aerial roots hanging vertically from a low height (like a Ficus)[]. They climb into trees and other plants, supporting themselves by means of coiled tendrils[]. Occasionally the plant adopts a more tree-like habit, growing 3 - 7 metres tall[].
The edible fruits are harvested from the wild for local use. The plant is ornamental and can be used for covering fences and trellises[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeastern Africa - Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, S. Africa.

Habitat

Closed or fringing forest, covering trees; montane rain-forest at elevations from 600 - 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers its roots to be in dappled to quite deep shade[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Often made into a jelly[, ]. They are said to be good when cooked[]. The purplish-black fruits have a reddish pulp and are about 2cm in diameter[].

Young leaves and shoots - cooked[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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