Sand apricot-vine
Landolphia kirkiifam. Apocynaceae
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Pl. 2D30 — Landolphia kirkii
Landolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkiiLandolphia kirkii
IOverview
Overview
The Sand apricot-vine (Landolphia kirkii) is a climbing plant native to regions including Burundi, Central African Republic, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Northern Provinces, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Known for its edible fruit, it thrives in full or partial sun with moist conditions and can grow up to 15 meters tall. This plant is adaptable to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and is hardy in zones 10-12. Its light green foliage and distinctive climbing habit make it an ornamental addition to gardens while also providing a valuable food source.
Quick answers
What is Sand apricot-vine?
The Sand apricot-vine (Landolphia kirkii) is a climbing plant native to regions including Burundi, Central African Republic, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Northern Provinces, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The sand apricot-vine thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in temperate regions with hardiness zones 10-12. The plant can reach heights of up to 15 meters and produces edible fruit. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sand apricot-vine for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, light-loving vine that can grow in various soil types.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Sand apricot-vine plant and well-draining potting mix.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the Sand apricot-vine during spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a pot with good drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining, loamy soil mix.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the young plant into its permanent spot in the garden or keep it in a container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the Sand apricot-vine regularly to help it establish, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the Sand apricot-vine in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The sand apricot-vine's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It thrives in full to partial sun with moist soil, making it suitable for gardens in its native range. The fruit adds a light, refreshing taste when consumed fresh.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 13 native
Africa9 regions
native (9)BurundiKenyaMalawiMozambiqueSomaliaTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces, Zaïre
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
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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