Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Wildewingerd

Family: Rosaceae (Rose)

Synonym: Cliffortia alnifolia

Distribution: Eastern Cape, Western Cape

National red list: Least Concern

Comments: This is a climbing shrub that may grow vines up to 1 m in length. The young stems are hairy and slightly pink, but later become hairless and rust brown. The plant may flower throughout the year except in autumn. The leaves are aromatic and have a variety of traditional medicinal uses. It can be ingested orally to treat arthritis, internal haemorrhoids, and urinary tract problems. Some of its properties are recognised in modern pharmacology.