Family: Passifloraceae
Adenia digitata, or wild granadilla, is a deciduous climber native to southern and eastern Africa, recognizable by its large tuber and deeply lobed leaves. All parts of this plant are highly poisonous, containing toxins like modeccin and cyanogenic glycosides, which can be fatal if ingested. Its attractive berries and tuber are particularly dangerous and have been mistaken for edible plants.
While valued by collectors for its ornamental caudex and foliage, extreme caution is required. It is not suitable for gardens with children or pets, and although it has limited use in traditional external medicines, handling and sourcing should be done with full awareness of its significant risks.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Poisonous to animals and humans
- Climbing habit (potential to smother or overtop other vegetation)
- Tuberous roots
- Reproduces by seeds
- Seeds presumably dispersed by animals (although fruit reportedly toxic) and intentionally by people
- Limited ecological information may reduce accuracy of risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but one unconfirmed report of weediness
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Ornamental and medicinal uses, despite toxicity
- Dioecious
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
