Mondia whitei, commonly called Mukombero or African white ginger.
It is a perennial woody climbing vine, not a conventional upright tree. It can climb up to about 10 metres when supported.
It grows best in warm, moist conditions, fertile well-drained soil and partial shade.
Its aromatic roots have a vanilla/ginger-like taste and are traditionally chewed or added to tea.
Common traditional uses include stimulating appetite, aiding digestion, freshening the mouth and improving libido.
The leaves may be cooked as a vegetable or used as livestock fodder.