Fockea multiflora
K. Schum.
Python vine, Elephant vine
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(c) Kai Joaquin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kai Joaquin
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(c) rguinness, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaFockea multiflora, or python vine, is a plant of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, native to Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, including the Caprivi Strip, and Malawi. It is a large semisucculent liana, growing to some 15m in length and up to 60 cm in diameter, found primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome.
Description
A large succulent creeper. It can be 15 m long and 60 cm wide. It has a swollen base. The leaves are 10 cm long by 8 cm wide.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The flowers are eaten as a vegetable.
Traditional Uses
The flowers are eaten as a vegetable.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
An extract of the aerial parts of the plant in brandy is rubbed on the back to treat backache.
Known Hazards
The latex in the plant is toxic.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows between 500-1,200 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Africa, Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Cultivation
It can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings.
Other Uses
A latex obtained from the plant is used to adulterate rubber.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Ferns, Useful Tropical Plants.
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
