Gongronema latifolium (utazi) is a climbing shrub that reaches up to 5m long with woody base, hollow stems and fleshy roots. The stems are soft/hairy that yields milky latex or exudates. It belongs to the family of plants known as Asclepiadaceae and it is widespread in tropical rainforest of West African countries, such as Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Senegal, etc

In southern Nigeria, where it is commonly grown, the Igbos call the plant utazi. The Western part of Nigeria call this leaf arokeke and the Efik and Ibibio call it utasi. Parts used Fruits, seeds, leave, root and bark. The plant is mainly  used as vegetable, medicine or spice by the people.

UTAZI, Arokeke (Gongronema latifolium). is sold by one quarter pound weight and shipped by priority or overnight mail