The leaves may grow approximately 8 cm long, and at maturity the vine will produce small cone-like reproductive structures.

It has been found in primary and secondary semi-deciduous humid forests, both in dense and sunny transitional savannah locations, ranging from sea-level to 1200 meter altitude.

The shade tolerant vine does not grow well in direct sunlight and can be found climbing on middle and under-story trees.

[11] The vine is largely understudied, and more research is needed to verify plant susceptibility and resilience to viruses, diseases, and fungi.

[11] However, the necessity for shaded, but not excessively moist, conditions may make it difficult for poor farmers to grow Gnetum africanum if they lack access to suitable lands.

Sustainable cultivation practices, such as harvesting the leaves regularly rather than uprooting the whole vine, allows for a more viable supplementary income throughout the year.

[12] The Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has been working with women to create sustainable cultivation practices of Gnetum africanum, as well as forest restoration techniques.

Subsistence agriculturalists in Cameroon may be able to improve their nutritional, environmental, social, and economic situations by growing this vine.

Gnetum africanum is most significantly cultivated by rural women farmers, constituting approximately 80% of the overall trade of this crop.

[12] While Gnetum africanum is still largely considered a wild vegetable, if cultivated as a domesticated crop it may save time for women who previously would search for it in the forests.