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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 2D30edible
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Sand apricot-vine

Landolphia kirkiifam. Apocynaceae
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ediblevinesedibleedible fruitnative africaperennialvine
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Landolphia kirkii (Sand apricot-vine) — botanical photograph
Pl. 2D30 — Landolphia kirkii
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Overview

The Sand apricot-vine (Landolphia kirkii), a climbing plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family, is native to regions including Burundi, Central African Republic, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Northern Provinces, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This plant thrives in full to partial sun with moist soil, making it suitable for gardens in its native range. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). The sand apricot-vine is hardy in zones 10-12 and is known for its edible fruit, which can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Its light green foliage and distinctive climbing habit make it an ornamental addition to gardens, providing a valuable food source. While not medicinal, the sand apricot-vine is an important plant for both its ornamental and edible qualities.

Quick answers

What is Sand apricot-vine?

The Sand apricot-vine (Landolphia kirkii), a climbing plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family, is native to regions including Burundi, Central African Republic, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Northern Provinces, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Compare with:Greigia sphacelata→Guinea gumvine→Madagascar Periwinkle→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

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. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Sand apricot-vine plant and well-draining potting mix.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant the Sand apricot-vine during spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a pot with good drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining, loamy soil mix.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant the young plant into its permanent spot in the garden or keep it in a container.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the Sand apricot-vine regularly to help it establish, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun exposure and regular watering. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune the Sand apricot-vine in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.

VI

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
VII

Distribution

13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 13 native
Africa9 regions
native (9)BurundiKenyaMalawiMozambiqueSomaliaTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces, Zaïre
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Landolphia kirkii (Sand apricot-vine) — botanical photograph
Sand apricot-vine (Landolphia kirkii)
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See also

3 related

Plants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Apocynaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.

XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

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