Cyphostemma Species

The largest genus of the grape family, CISSUS consists of around 350 species occuring in all warmer parts of the world. They are varied i...Read Moren growth habit, though the majority are tendril climbers, including many that are among the largest woody lianes of rainforests with looping stems up to 12" or more in diameter. Some lower-growing species are adapted to very dry conditions, with very thick, swollen stems or large tubers--these are grown by succulent plant enthusiasts. A number of the rainforest species are popular indoor plants, grown for their decorative foliage. The flowers are usually yellow or green and quite small, borne in modest panicles from the leaf nodes; they are followed by succulent fruits, showing a resemblance to small grapes but mostly hardly edible. Some species once included in CISSUS are now placed in RHOICISSUS, CYPHOSTEMMA or TETRASTIGMA.
CULTIVATION: All the climbing species need semi-shade in summer, when they need regular watering. Some means of support is necessary during spring. Propagation is from cuttings taken in summer.