Cliffortia ruscifolia, the climber's friend, is a widespread species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. A tall shrub with painfully sharp leaves, it is found growing on rocks and cliffs, and it is a pioneer species of disturbed areas. It is prone to hairy white galls of unknown cause.
Subtaxa The following varieties are accepted: Cliffortia ruscifolia var. purpurea – southwestern Cape Provinces Cliffortia ruscifolia var. ruscifolia – Cape Provinces
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