Cissus erosa

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A vine. It is not woody and climbs by means of tendrils. It can be 5-6 m long. The stems are angular and have 4-6 wings. The leaves are alternate ad have 3 leaflets. These are narrowly oval and 4-10 cm long by 3-6 cm wide and the end leaflet is larger. The side leaflets are unequal at the sides and there are teeth along the edge. There are tendrils opposite the leaves. The flowering groups are opposite the leaves and in groups. The flowers are red or pink. The fruit is round and 5-7 mm across. They are black when ripe. There is 1 seed 5-7 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bolivia, Brazil, Central America (country/location of origin), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hispaniola, South America, Suriname, Venezuela, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It flowers throughout the year.

Its other names

Local names

Caro de tres hojas, Cipo-de-fogo, Nai nishi, Sirari

Synonyms

Cissus burchellii (Baker) Planch.; Cissus epidendrica Vell.; and others