Hippocratea is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Celastraceae. It comprises of about 13 species. The genus was described by Carl Linnaeus. They are mostly lianas or climbing shrubs, less often small trees.

Hippocratea africana commonly known as African Paddle-Pod forms a climbing shrub to 15 meters tall. It is usually found growing in dry bushy areas. It has four-angled stems with prominent white lenticels. It has opposite leaves with the margins rolled under. From spring to summer it bears small flowers which are followed by paddle-shaped pods.