Guinea gumvine
Landolphia heudelotiifam. Apocynaceae
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Pl. 1D1E — Landolphia heudelotii
Landolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotiiLandolphia heudelotii
IOverview
Overview
The Guinea gumvine (Landolphia heudelotii) is a large climbing shrub or small tree native to West Africa, including countries such as Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist, wet conditions with light (sandy) to medium soil, and can grow up to 15 meters tall. It prefers full sun and is hardy in zones 10-12. Its distinctive feature includes its ability to climb and its edible fruit, making it a valuable resource in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Guinea gumvine?
The Guinea gumvine (Landolphia heudelotii) is a large climbing shrub or small tree native to West Africa, including countries such as Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Guinea gumvine thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet conditions with light (sandy) or medium soil. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-12. For propagation, it can be grown from fruit. Ensure the plant has adequate moisture and well-draining soil for best results.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Guinea gumvine for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for your Guinea gumvine.
- 1
What you'll need
A large pot or garden space, quality soil, and seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy) and medium textures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants carefully to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide full sun exposure and fertilize lightly every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches as needed. Harvest fruits when they are fully ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning, and using too much fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:textilesCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 12 native
Africa11 regions
native (11)Burkina FasoCameroonCôte d'IvoireGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauMaliMauritaniaSenegalSierra Leone
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
3 related
See also
3 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Apocynaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Apocynaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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