Country of Origin: Trop. & S. Africa, W. Indian Ocean, Indian Subcontinent to Lesser Sunda
Habitat: scrambling habit in forest understory
Uses: While high quantities can be toxic this plant is used as a medicinal. The roots and leaves used in snakebite. leaves given to cattle as antiworm treatment.
Colchicine, an alkaloid obtained from the tubers and seeds fetches high price in the market and used in scientific research.
Culture: The plant grows in sandy-loam soil in the mixed deciduous forests in sunny positions. It is very tolerant of nutrient-poor soils. It occurs in thickets, forest edges and boundaries of cultivated areas in warm countries up to a height of 2530 m. Prefers a warm, dry dormancy from mid October until temperatures start increasing in Spring.