Care of the climbing plant Rhoicissus digitata or Baboon grape |
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The genus Rhoicissus, family Vitaceae, includes 22 species of climbing plants native to tropical Africa. Some species are: Rhoicissus digitata, Rhoicissus rhomboidea, Rhoicissus tomentosa, Rhoicissus tridentata. Common names: Baboon grape, Dune grape. This species is native to South Africa. They are fast-growing woody climbing plants that reach 15 meters (49.2 feet) in length. The leathery fingered leaves are glossy green above; the young leaves are reddish. They produce little decorative greenish-yellow flowers. They bloom in late summer and early fall. The edible purple fruits have a sour taste but are used to make jam. These easy-to-grow plants are used to cover fences, pergolas and walls, to cover sunny slopes and as a small shrub in pots. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Rhoicissus digitata grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures receiving direct sun in the early hours of the day or in the afternoon. They resist light and occasional frosts. The soil can be a normal well-drained garden soil with coarse sand and containing organic matter; they also grow in sandy and poor soils. Water regularly, waiting for the substrate to be almost dry. They resist drought well when established. Fertilize with compost or manure at the end of winter. Prune lightly at the end of winter to control its growth. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated by semi-mature cuttings in spring or summer and from seed sown in spring or early summer. |
Images of the climbing plant Rhoicissus digitata or Baboon grape |
 Rhoicissus digitata  Rhoicissus digitata |