Family: Apocynaceae

Scientific name: Cynanchum viminale

Authority: (L.) L.

Synonyms: Asclepias aphylla Thunb., Asclepias nuda Schumach. & Thonn., Cynanchum aphyllum (L.) L., Cynanchum aphyllum (Thunb.) Schltr., Decanemopsis aphylla Constantin & Gallaud, Euphorbia viminalis L., Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R.Br.

Zulu names: amabelebele, amabhelebhele umbelebele, umbhelebhele, umnembelele, umpelepele, umgontsho, igotsha, ingotsha, ingotshwa, umsululu

Other names: caustic bush, caustic creeper, caustic vine, creeper (English) melktou, melktoubos, melktoubossie, wolfsmelk, spantou, spantoumelkbos, spantou-melkbos (Afrikaans)

Plant description: C. viminale is a climbing succulent that can grow up to 5 m in height. It is leafless with sweetly scented star-shaped yellowish flowers and a thin green stem that oozes a milky sap when cut or damaged. The succulent grows in the arid and semi-arid regions that have well-drained soils.

Uses:

The edible young stems and fruits are eaten as food.
The succulent most likely gets the “amabelebele”, which translates to breasts, from the fact that it oozes a milky sap like breasts. Addedly, the name is due to the plant being used to increase milk production for breastfeeding mothers after giving birth.
This plant is also used to increase the milk production in cattle.
The sap of this plant is used to treat an eye infection that is caused by the sap of Euphorbia ingens E.Mey. ex Boiss. getting into and infecting the eyes.
The plant is used to make a literal rope.
The plant is used to make intelezi that is considered as a figurative rope that is used to tie down your enemies.
The stem is used to treat abdominal pains, diarrhoea, ulcers, and intestinal tumours.
The plant is used to treat hypertension and heartburn.
The plant is used to treat smallpox and septic wounds and sores.
The sap is used to treat swelling in the body.
The plant is used to treat eye infection.
The plant is used as a diuretic.
The plant is used to treat venereal diseases such as gonorrhoea and pain from urination.
The plant is used as a mole repellent.

Safety precaution:

Using traditional medicine responsibly can enhance your overall health and well-being. Misuse and abuse can lead to complications. You can inquire about the correct use of traditional medicine from a knowledgeable herbalist and practitioner. You can also visit imithiyesintu.co.za or email: info@imithiyesintu.co.za to learn more about traditional medicine

References and further reading:

Boon, R., 2010. Pooley’s Trees of Eastern South Africa: A Complete Guide. Flora & Fauna Publications Trust, Durban.
Corrigan, B.M., Van Wyk, B.E., Geldenhuys, and C.J., Jardine, J.M., 2011. Ethnobotanical plant uses in the KwaNibela Peninsula, St Lucia, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 77, pp. 346–359.
De Wet, H., Nkwanyana, M.N., and Van Vuuren, S.F., 2010. Medicinal plants used for the treatment of diarrhoea in northern Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 130, pp. 284–289.
De Wet, H., Ramulondi, M., and Ngcobo, Z.N., 2016. The use of indigenous medicine for the treatment of hypertension by a rural community in northern Maputaland, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 103, pp. 78–88.
Fox, F.W., and Norwood Young, M.E. 1982. Food from the veld. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G., and Cunningham, A.B., 1996. Zulu Medicinal Plantsௗ: An Inventor\. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.
Moteetee, A. and Seleteng Kose, L. 2017. A review of medicinal plants used by the Basotho for treatment of skin disorders: their phytochemical, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential. The African Journal of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicines.14, pp. 121–137
Malatji, K.P., 2019. An Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Heartburn in Southern Africa and an Evaluation of Their Pharmacological and Chemical Properties. University of Johannesburg (South Africa).
Mbanjwa, S.G., 2020. A quantitatrive ethnobotanical survey of the Ixopo area of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.Dissertation. Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/102000/0002 (Accessed: 10 May 2023)
Mhlongo, L.S. 2019. The medicinal ethnobotany of the Amandawe area in KwaCele, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/102000/0002 (Accessed: 22 February 2023).
Mhlongo, L.S., and Van Wyk, B.E., 2019. Zulu medicinal ethnobotany: new records from the Amandawe area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 122, 266±290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2019.02.012
Pooley, E., 2006. Forest plants in the forest and in the garden: Popular guides to the biomes of South Africa. The Flora Publication Trust, South Africa.
Umberto Quattrocchi “CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology” (5 Volume Set) CRC Press, 03/May/2012
Focke Albers, Ulrich Meve “Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Asclepiadaceae: Asclepiadaceae” Volume 4 Springer, 2002.