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Roundleaf Buckhorn
Cynanchum obtusifolium
SA tree number
English: Roundleaf Buckhorn, Monkey Rope, Sea Buckhorn
Afrikaans: Melktou, Bobbejaantou, Bostou, Melkbobbejaantou, Nenta
Zulu: Ishongwe-elinabawo
Synonyms, misapplied or old scientific names: Cynanchum capense, Cynanchum dregeanum, Cynanchum obtusifolium var. pilosum, Cynoctonum brownii, Cynoctonum capense, Vincetoxicum dregeanum
The Monkey Rope, also known as Cynanchum obtusifolium or Roundleaf Buckhorn is an adaptable little climber is often found scrambling through bushes near the sea, showing off its roundish leaves and clusters of subtle, greenish flowers with a white crown in the middle.
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Distinguishing features:
Twining climber reaching up to 3 metres.
Oval to elliptical leaves, typically 20-40 mm long and 15-40 mm wide.
Clusters of small, greenish flowers with a distinctive white, deeply lobed corona.
Milky sap is present.
Horn-shaped fruits containing club-shaped plumed seeds.
Overall appearance: A twining climber with a woody base, capable of reaching 2 to 3 metres in height. It has oval to elliptical leaves and clusters of small, distinctively shaped flowers. The plant contains milky sap.
Height: 2 to 3 metres.
Width: It grows as a climber and is therefore dependant on the structure it is climbing.
Leaves: The leaves are oval to elliptical in shape, measuring between 20 and 40 mm in length and 15 and 40 mm in width. They can be herbaceous (leaf-like) to thinly leathery in texture and are generally hairless or may have sparse hairs on the veins and margins. The leaf margin can be entire (smooth) or slightly crenulate (with small, rounded teeth). The petiole (leaf stalk) is 5 to 15 mm long.
Flowers: The flowers are small, greenish in colour, and sweetly scented. They are arranged in axillary inflorescences (growing from the leaf axils) with 8 to 15 flowers in total, typically with 3 to 6 flowers open at any one time. The peduncles (flower stalks) are 3 to 5 mm long. The corolla (petals) has lobes that are ovate to oblong, 1 to 1.5 mm wide, with obtuse (blunt) tips, spreading outwards and hairy on the inside. The corona (a crown-like structure inside the flower) is white and deeply lobed.
Flowering season: Flowers can appear throughout the year.
Fruits: Horn-shaped fruits.
Seeds: Club-shaped plumed seeds
Thorns: No thorns are present.
Wood: The base of the plant is woody.
Roots: Robust roots, adapted to potentially arid conditions.
Soil type: Well-drained.
Aspect: Prefers partial sun.
Distribution: Coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa and southern Mozambique.
Habitat: Frequent in bushes near the seashore and in dry, rocky habitats. Found at altitudes ranging from 0 to 250 metres.
Derivation of name: Cynanchum is derived from the Greek words "kyon" (dog) and "anchein" (to strangle or choke), possibly referring to the twining habit of some species. Obtusifolium means "blunt-leaved" in Latin, referring to the shape of the leaves.
Interesting facts:
The common name "Monkey Rope" hints at its climbing nature, as if it's a rope for monkeys to swing on!
The presence of milky sap is a characteristic of many plants in the Dogbane family.
Its ability to thrive in coastal areas suggests it's quite resilient to salty air and potentially tough conditions.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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