Paullinia pinnata

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Botanical Description: Paullinia pinnata is a liana or climbing shrub, which uses other vegetation for support as it grows. It can reach substantial lengths, enabling it to climb over and through the forest canopy. The leaves of this plant are compound, typically with a pinnate arrangement comprising multiple leaflets. Each leaf generally consists of 5 to 7 leaflets, which are lanceolate to elliptical in shape, with pointed tips and a glossy appearance. The leaves are often alternately arranged along the stems. Paullinia pinnata produces small, fragrant flowers which are typically white or pale yellow in color. The flowers are organized in racemes or panicles and are usually found in abundance during the blooming period. The fruit of Paullinia pinnata is a three-lobed capsule that opens to release black seeds which are covered in a fleshy, white aril. The aril is attractive to various species of birds and animals, aiding in seed dispersal. The stems are woody and flexible, which facilitates climbing and attachment to supports through twining around them.
Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers during the rainy season, which typically is from April to October, the fruiting is roughly from late August to December.
Plant Uses: Medicinal Uses:
Origin: Introduced
Locality: Ogbogene Ogba/egbema/ndoni Rivers State.
Habit: Climber
Mode: Wild