Kedrostis africana

RHS Plant Profile

baboon’s cucumber

Cactus Succulent

A succulent plant that forms a large swollen rootstock (caudex) up to 50cm across, from which a climbing vine arises annually in spring. The vine is slender-stemmed, climbs with tendrils and bears deeply lobed leaves

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1C

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cucurbitaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Climbing
Genus: Kedrostis are a genus of around 35 vining or trailing plants which are native to tropical Africa and Asia. They have a swollen, tuberous base, palmately divided leaves and green, yellow, white or cream flowers
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Southern Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in cactus compost in full light with protection from hot summer sun. Water moderately in the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength monthly; keep almost dry in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Low Maintenance
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to rots if overwatered