Ceropegia cimiciodora
Oberm.
Bedbug ceropegia
Apocynaceae Edible: Root, Tubers
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Description
A vine that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2 m high. The stems are thick. The leaves are small and like scales. The flowers are tube shaped and dark purple to green. They expand into star like lobes. They are united at the tips.
Edible Uses
The tubers and roots are eaten.
Distribution
It is best in a rich, well-drained soil. It needs a protected sunny position. It is damaged by frost and drought.
Where It Grows
Africa*, Australia, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland,
Cultivation
It can be grown by seeds or cuttings.
Other Information
A famine food.
Notes
Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.
References (2)
- Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 242
- Long, C., 2005, Swaziland's Flora - siSwati names and Uses http://www.sntc.org.sz/flora/