Adenia Aculeata

Adenia aculeata is a large, deciduous, succulent liana, climbing with some tendrils, up to 20 m long, but usually much smaller, with an enlarged basal part of stem (caudex) up to 30 cm in diameter and particularly attractive for its stems randomly studded with black – an added attraction for the lover of cactus-like plants. Flowers are minute and unisexual yellowish-green or cream coloured.
Stems: Trunk semi-woody, pachycaul (water storing), up to 30 cm in diameter tappering above. Vines (branches) 2.5-5(-20) m, about 6-8 mm in diameter, with spines on ridges; spines closely set, 4- 20 mm long conical, simple or forked, brown, more or less broadened at the base, irregularly arranged in 4 or 5 ribs with the edges projecting, passing into 5 mm distant. Thorns and prickles are derived from dermal projections. Tendrils simple 5- 10 cm long.
Leaves: Absent for most of the year; 3-7-lobed (varying from slightly lobed to deeply dissected), base cordate, 5-nerved from base, 1-7 cm long, 1 -7.5 cm wide, often sandpapery. Petiole 0.5–8 cm long. Gland at base of blade single, partly on the petiole, narrowly campanulate, 11- 18 mm long, calyx-lobes free, lanceolate, 7–12 mm long. Petals free, lanceolate, 7–9 mm long.
Flowers: Yellowish-green in small axillary fascicles.
Male flower: In clusters of 2–40 flowers on about 10 cm long pedicel.
Female flowers: In clusters of 1–5 flowers, nearly sessile 8–12 mm long. Pistil 5–7 mm long. Styles shortly united at the base, without tendrils.
Fruit: Broadly ellipsoid, apiculate, 10-15 mm long, 8- 13 mm thick smooth, greenish-yellow, darker striped along the sutures.
Seeds: 10–15 per fruit, 3.5–4 mm in diameter.