Begonia Treevine, Mottled cissus
Cissus javana

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

An evergreen vine. It climbs to 3 m high and spreads to 3 m across. The stems are creeping or climbing. They are often red. They have tendrils which attach to objects. The leaves are bright metallic green. The leaves are oval or sword shaped. They are marked with white and purple on the upper surface and are deep red underneath. There are saw like teeth along the edge. The flowers are small and occur in small clusters. The flowers are green with a red tint. The flower clusters are 5 cm long and hang down. The fruit are oval berries which are dark red in colour. They are 8 mm across. They have one seed.

There are about 200-350 Cissus species. There are about 75 species in tropical America.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It prefers light to medium, humus rich soil. The soil should be well drained and moist. It suits a shaded and protected position. It is drought and frost tender. Plants need a temperature above 5°C. In Indonesia it grows from sea level to 1,200 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Australia, China, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia (country/location of origin), Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw. They are also added to dishes to give a sour flavour. The leaves are used for pickles. The ripe red berries are eaten. They are pungent.

It is occasionally cultivated. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.

In India, plants flower and fruit August to November.

Its other names

Local names

Aroi beubeureuman, Banteng, Dara, Deras, Jogi lahara, Kam deng, Kangaroo vine, Kongouyen, Lang deng, Mirah, Nag-vel, Rabet dara, Sambang, Sano purenia lahara, Telicha-vel, Telitsa-yel, Teres, Thadavasopu, Vallimaruma

Synonyms

Cissus discolor Blume; Cissus javana var. pubescens C. L. Li; Cissus sessilis Amshoff; Cissus sicyoides Klein ex Steud.; Vitis discolor (Blume) Dalz.;