Blue cobas

Blue Cobas (Cyphostemma juttae) are also known as Tree Grape and are from the subfamily Vitaceae. They grow in bare, dry regions of the country from Arandis to Usakos, Erongo Mountains, the Otjiwarongo/Tsumeb/Grootfontein area and extending north to Opuwo.

This plant has large blue-green leaves on a short, wide trunk. A succulent, water is stored in this trunk to use in times of drought. The light green bark peels off in very thin flakes. Orange-red fruits ripen to a purple colour and grow in grape like bunches although they are not edible.

Blue Cobas is used in traditional medicines to heal fractures, wounds and to relieve pain. They attract birds, insects and butterflies, need lots of sunshine and as a succulent only a certain amount of watering. Flowers bloom in November.