This perennial plant is usually found climbing on stakes and specially designed trellises in backyards of rural household in Sierra Leone. The plant thrives well under light shade.
Direct exposure reduces the rate of growth.
The edible succulent leaves look just like spinach, but they are more glabrous and triangular in shape. The leaves are dark green in color. A combination of well drained and fertile soils, with a high proportion of organic matter, produce good yields. Propagation is commonly done in the wet season, when soil moisture is abundant. Propagation is successfully done by using mature cuttings up to 8 inches in length, obtained from mature shoots.