Synaptolepis kirkii is a small shrub, usually with a climbing habit, producing stems up to 4 metres long that arise from tuberous swollen roots. The branches twine around other plants for support.
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild as a local source of food, medicine and emergency rope. It is grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Habitat

Dry evergreen forest edges, Brachystegia woodland, coastal and secondary bushland or thicket, at elevations from sea level to 900 metres.

Cultivation Status

Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw.
The fleshy pulp has a sweet flavour and is eaten as a snack.
The orange, oval berry is about 10mm long.

Medicinal

A root decoction is used as a remedy for snakebite, impotence and vomiting.

Agroforestry Uses

None Recorded

Other Uses

The stem can be used as a substitute for rope.

Propagation

Seed