Common name: Oyster nut

The oyster nut is native to Mozambique, Tanzania, Zanzibar, but is now introduced in other tropical countries in eastern Africa, including Kenya and Malawi. It is also introduced to the island of Mauritius, in the Indian ocean. Oyster nut is from the same family as the pumpkin and bears a large gourd-like fruit on a vigorous perennial vine, which in the wild state can reach lengths of 30 metres (100 ft) and live for up to twenty years.

When young, the vine is herbaceous but becomes woody with age, developing a thin, pale, papery bark. The vine is vigorous, with a spreading, climbing habit and will grow up on trees or other structures it comes into contact with (This can be problematic).

Leaves are 15 to 20 cm wide, rough and hairy, particularly beneath. Stems are also coarse, rough and somewhat prickly.

The seed are large, flat and with a shape resembling an oyster, hence the plant's name. Oyster nut is grown for its seed which are consumed as an edible nut in its native region.

Problem features

Seed are large and can not be spread by birds. However, vine is vigorous and spreading so some control is required to limit its spreading tendencies. (can climb up and blanket trees) [SC] Seed are too large to be dispersed by birds . However, there is potential for dispersal outside of cultivation by small animals, such as rodents.