Cissus
( SISS - uss )
Cissus Species and Varietals
The genus Cissus includes 350 species of woody vines and is a member of the plant family Vitaceae. Growing zones for Cissus vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Cissus antarctica (Cissus oblongata) (Kangaroo Treebine) This species, native to Australia, is best in zones 16-24, but can also be grown indoors. It is a fantastic choice for California gardens. Foliage is dense and glossy, with serrated margins. It needs little to no irrigation when grown in the ground, so it makes a great water-wise plant for the garden. Perfect for climbing and covering large areas of ground. these vines will do well in sun or shade. |
Cissus cornifolia These plants form woody vining shrubs and are native to sub-Saharan Africa, Tropical Africa and down to South Africa. They grow from a tuber root, and produce branches with swollen nodes. Plants typically reach about 10 feet tall, and sometimes produce tendrils. Powdered plant parts are used as a sedative in traditional medicine, and the fruits are eaten and used for flavoring various dishes in the plant's native range. |
Cissus discolor (Cissus javana) (Rex Begonia Vine) These vines are native to China, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Mainland Southeast Asia, Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and the Philippines. They can reach up to 8 feet long, but are typically seen at 1 foot. Leaves of these plants are edible, and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are sour. Rex Begonia Vine does well in hanging baskets or in pots, and needs to be grown indoors in most areas. |
Cissus hypoglauca (Jungle Grape, Water Vine, Giant Water Vine, Five-Leaf Water Vine, Jungle Vine, Native Grapes, Billangai) This species is also native to Australia, and grows best in zones 13-24. Gets to 15 feet or more in one year, eventually reaching 30-50 feet in length. Climbs via flexible stems with bronze-tinted leaves. Newer growth has rust-colored fuzz. Great for banks where erosion control is needed, and also does well as a climbing vine. Provide full sun to light shade conditions and needs little to no water. |
Cissus quadrangularis (Veldt Grape, Winged Treebine, Adamant Creeper) This interesting species is native to Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and much of Africa. These plants reach about 5 feet tall and produces leaves at nodes along sprawling stems. Flowers are small and white, yellow or greenish. They are followed by berries which ripen to red. Prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought, and needs to be planted in full sun for best performance. |
Cissus repens (Creeping Treebine, Malayan Wild Vine, Carik Merah, Lakum, Pokok Riang Hutan) This woody vine species, native to tropical rainforest areas in Asia, has heart-shaped leaves and a creeping habit. Foliage is green, and papery to leathery-textured. Creeping Treebine can reach up to 33 feet long at maturity in the right environment. Flowers are small and yellow. These plants grow well on trellises. |
Cissus rotundifolia This fast-growing evergreen vine is native to east Africa and the Middle East, and is commonly used in traditional medicine in its native range. Elsewhere, it is grown as an indoor houseplant. Leaves are oval and medium green and trailing stems reach up to 6 feet long. These vines prefer temperatures of between 50 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Cissus rhombifolia (Cissus alata) (Grape Ivy) Grows best in zones 13, 15, 16, 21-24, H1 and H2. It is native to South America and has dark green leaves, veined with red on the undersides. This species is popular as a houseplant, where it can tolerate low-light conditions well. Outdoors, it can reach 20 feet and can be trained on trellises or fences. Can tolerate full sun to deep shade and needs moderate water. Varieties include 'Mandaiana' (with larger leaflets, but a more tight and upright growth) and 'Ellen Danica' (with lobed leaflets on a plant that is smaller than the species). |
Cissus striata (Miniature Grape Ivy) Zones 13-24; native to Chile. Reaches 20 feet long, and has small leathery leaves. Stems are reddish. Can be trained as an espalier, and is great for spilling over walls. Can also be used as a handsome groundcover plant. Can take sun or shade conditions, and needs moderate water. |
Cissus tiliacea This interesting species is native to Puebla, Mexico and produces a basal gray-green stem from which vines emerge that can reach up to 15 feet long. These vines die back to their attachments to the main stem during periods of drought. Damaged by frost at 28 degrees Fahrenheit. These are commonly grown indoors and can serve as bonsai specimens. |
Cissus trifoliata (Grape Ivy, Possum-Grape, Sorrel Vine) This species of Cissus grows best in zones 10-13 and is evergreen in warmer locations. Native to the Southern United States and Mexico. Reaches 30 feet climbing by tendrils or sprawling on the ground. Leaves are smooth and dark green, and flowering stalks are reddish. Black berries follow flowers and contrast well against the red stalks. Contact with plant can cause skin rash in allergic persons. Needs full sun and little to moderate amounts of water. |
Caring for Cissus
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 244, Cissus
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