Gestiba (Sarcostemma daltonii)

Succulent, leafless shrub, creeping or hanging; numerous stems containing milky latex or sap. Stems are glaucous or light green; flowers are greenish-yellow and arranged in clusters. The fruit is long, linear-lanceolate, up to 10 cm long and contains many brown seeds. This native of Cape Verde has been recorded for all the islands except Maio, although it is very rare in Boavista and Sal. It flourishes on ravine walls, mountains and other rocky habitats, as well as on malpaíses or badlands, generally extending over a wide area. In Fogo, it ascends to 1,800 m but thrives between 100 and 600 m, in arid, semi-arid and subhumid zones. The sap of this plant is used for medicinal purposes. The widespread distribution of this ubiquitous and abundant species means that it is not considered endangered.