Cephalopentandra ecirrhosa

(Cogn.) C. Jeffrey

Cucurbitaceae Edible: Fruit, Caution Potential hazards — see below 3 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A pumpkin family vine. It grows 1 m long. It has a fat stem or rootstock projecting above the soil. This can be 60 cm across. The leaves are wavy around the edge. They are 3-9 cm long by 4-7 cm wide. They can have 5-7 lobes. The flowers are pale yellow. They are 3 cm across. The fruit is orange. It is oval and tapers to the tip. The fruit is 8 cm long by 4 cm wide.

Edible Uses

The fruit are eaten.

Known Hazards

Caution is advised when consuming this fruit.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in woodland on sandy soil between 45-1,090 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda,

Synonyms

Cephalopentandra obbiadensis Chiov.Coccinia ecirrhosa Cogn.Coccinia obbiadensis (Chiov.) Cufod.Coccinia quercifolia Hutch. & E.A. Bruce

References (1)

Lulekal, E., et al, 2011, Wild edible plants in Ethiopia: a review on their potential to combat food insecurity. Afrika Focus - Vol. 24, No 2. pp 71-121