Raphanocarpus

Morphological Summary

Genus closely related to Raphanistrocarpus within the family Cucurbitaceae, distributed from Madagascar to southern Africa (Namibia). Raphanocarpus species feature prominent basal tubers or caudices, seasonal twining or prostrate stems, and fleshy fruits. They share with Raphanistrocarpus the geophytic strategy of water storage in thickened underground organs, making them notable in collections of succulent and caudiciform plants.