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Cyphostemma juttae
Cyphostemma juttae is a plant found in certain very hot and dry parts of
south-west Africa. Its thick trunk serves as a water tank. Cyphostemma needs
this water supply to survive the long droughts and extreme aridity of its natural
habitat. The outer surface of the trunk is covered with a paper-thin, light brown
bark that comes off in strips. This bark serves to reflect sunlight, helping the
plant to avoid overheating. When conditions are especially severe, Cyphostemma
sheds all its leaves, as these are large and permit water to evaporate. The plant’s
acrid taste and poisonous qualities help keep hungry animals away. Bushmen in southern
Africa use the juice of Cyphostemma to poison the tips of their arrows.
It’s hard to imagine, but this plant is related to our grapevine, and belongs to the
same family. This may seem less surprising once you see its fruit, which do somewhat
resemble grapes. They turn red when ripe, but are inedible for humans.
Cyphostemma juttae grows to more than two meters in height, and its trunk
can be a meter across. Another species also growing here in the Botanic Garden can
reach a height of up to 6 meters. That plant, Cyphostemma currori, is also
from south-west Africa. You’ll find an especially impressive specimen in the central
bed of the Africa and Madagascar House. Its characteristic shape makes it easy to recognize.
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Cyphostemma juttae (MP3, 733 KB)
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