Cercestis mirabilis

Cercestis mirabilis is a climber that lives for many years. It belongs to the arum family, Araceae. It grows in tropical Africa, from Benin east to Uganda and south to Angola. Kew calls its life form a liana. It lives in wet tropical forests in lowland areas. Records place it up to about 1,310 feet [400 metres] above sea level. The account covers wild plants, not a named garden form.

Its soft, non-woody stems trail on the ground and climb nearby plants. Roots grip these supports and hold the stems in place. The stems can reach about 33 feet [10 metres] long. They can grow nearly 2 inches [0.05 metres] thick. Useful Tropical Plants also lists a height of 26 feet [8 metres]. These figures give height and stem length. They do not show a proven size range in gardens. Long roots hang down from the climbing plant. The account gives no details of leaf shape or colour.

This species comes from the warm, damp lowland tropics. The evidence gives no light or water needs for garden plants. It gives no frost limit or hardiness zone either. Plants can withstand a hard cut when people harvest them. New shoots then grow from the lower stem. The source says people can grow plants from seed. It names flies as pollinators: they carry pollen between flowers. It gives no bloom season or detailed account of flowers or fruit.

People gather the wild plant for food and fibre. They cook its young leaves and inflorescences, or flower clusters, as vegetables. The long hanging roots serve as ties for yams. People also take the root's fibrous core for fishing line. These records show local uses, not how the plant grows in gardens. The source reports no known hazards. This does not prove it is safe for people or pets.

People use both leaves and leaf sap in folk medicine. Records list leaf mixes for liver problems and stitch. People use sap mixes for heart problems and vomiting. These records show past practice, not proof that these uses help or are safe. The source warns that people may mistake this species for Cercestis camerunensis. Thus, some use records may not name the right plant. The account gives no details of pests or diseases.