Cissus integrifolia

Cissus integrifolia (Baker) Planch.

Common names

Mwanya (Bemba, Kunda), mpelesya, mtambe, mwana-wamfepo, ntambi-tambi (Nyanja).

General description and distinguishing characteristics

A deciduous climber Cissus integrifolia is most easily recognised by its heart-shaped leaves and clusters of red, grape-like fruit. Bark of branchlets is largely hairless, and stems become woody as they get older. Tendrils twin-forked. Leaves simple, alternate, broadly ovate, acuminate at the apex and rounded at the base; margins largely entire. Leaves appear after the flowers and are up to 10 x 9 cm but usually smaller. Petiole is up to 5cm long. Leaf stipules 2 x2mm, persistent. Flowers appear in lax cymes opposite the new leaves on a peduncle up to 6cm long. Individual flowers are small, yellowish-green and inconspicuous, <1mm in diameter (November-December). Fruit a red, ellipsoid berry, up to 20 x 10mm containing a single ridged seed with a dorsal crest (December-March).

Range and habitat

Cissus integrifolia is found in riverine vegetation in Kenya, Tanzania, the Congo and the Zambezian region. In the valley, it is associated with valley riverine fringe woodland, thicket and mopane woodland on sand.