Bambangwenya

microphyllum: small-leaved

Large woody creeper. The persistent bases of the petioles modify into woody spines. Leaves opposite or 3-whorled, ovate, oblong-elliptic to sub-circular, glossy dark green above, dull below, venation distinctly yellowish, both sides with or without hairs, apex rounded with a small point; petiole up to 3 cm. Flowers bright red, produced in profusion along the trailing branches, appearing before the new leaves. Fruit c. 25 mm in diameter, 4-winged, light green to pinkish when young, drying to light brown.

Occasional

Widespread in Tropical Africa to Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa