Rhoicissus tridentata

(L. f.) Wild & R. B. Drummond

Droog-my-keel grape, Bitter grape, Bushman's grape

Vitaceae Edible: Fruit, Roots, Tubers, Caution Potential hazards — see below 2,042 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Rhoicissus tridentata is a climbing plant in the family Vitaceae. Parts of the plant are used in South Africa in traditional herbal remedies during pregnancy.

Description

It is a small neat tree. It grows to 3.6 m high. It can be a climber. It has a very extensive root system with a thickened rootstock or swellings along it. It may have many stems. The young branches are covered with rust-coloured hairs. It has tendrils. The leaves vary greatly in size and shape. They have 3 rigid leaflets. Leaves can be 10 cm long and 7 cm wide. The central leaflet is often triangular. The side leaflets are unequal-sided. Leaflets are glossy green above and paler underneath. The flowers are small and greenish. They occur in clusters opposite the leaves. The fruit is 1.3 cm across. They are smooth and round. They are black when mature. There are 1-2 seeds inside. The fruit is edible.

Edible Uses

The fruit is eaten, though it is very sour and particularly popular with children. The large thickened rootstock is edible and is used in drinks and added to soups.

Traditional Uses

The fruit is eaten. It is very sour. The large thickened rootstock is edible. It is used for drinks and put into soups. Caution: The tubers are also claimed to be toxic.

Known Hazards

The tubers are claimed to be toxic.

Distribution

A tropical plant. In South Africa it grows from sea level to 1200 m altitude. In some places it can grow to 2,700 m above sea level. It will grow in a range of conditions. It is often at the edge of evergreen forest in high rainfall areas. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 380-1,500 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Where It Grows

Africa, Angola, Arabia, Botswana, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa*, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Other Information

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Synonyms

Rhus tridentata L.f.Cissus cuneifolia Eckl. & Zeyh.Rhoicissus cirrhiflora sensu Gilg. & BrandtRhoicissus cuneifolia (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Planch.Rhoicissus erythrodes (Fres.) Planch.Rhoicissus holstii Engl.Rhoicissus usambarensis GilgRhoicissus tridenatata L. f.Vitis erythrodes Fresen.

Also Known As

Baboon grape, Boesmansdruif, Chizizo, Imbozisa, Isinwazi, Kasalasya, Mnamaftsela, Morara, Mpelesya, Mpesya, Mpete, Mpeza, Mutumbulambudzana, N-kilenya, Olkilenyai, Qashro, Sinwati, Thithiu, Uemba, Umguco, Wedel-asfess, Ziangayango

References (27)

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Bekele-Tesemma A., Birnie, A., & Tengnas, B., 1993, Useful Trees and Shrubs for Ethiopia. Regional Soil Conservation Unit. Technical Handbook No 5. p 386
Burkill, H. M., 1985, The useful plants of west tropical Africa, Vol. 5. Kew.
Fowler, D. G., 2007, Zambian Plants: Their Vernacular Names and Uses. Kew. p 64
Fox, F. W. & Young, M. E. N., 1982, Food from the Veld. Delta Books. p 366

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https://growwild.co.za Edible Indigenous plants
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