Cissus hastata

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A climber. It grows 2-5 m high. The stem and branches are grey and square or have wings. The young leaves are green on top and reddish underneath. They are oblong or triangular narrowing at the tip and heart shaped at the base. They have irregular teeth. The leaves are 5-11 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. The leaf stalk is 1-2.5 cm long. There are tendrils which are thread like and divide. The flower is a compound head in a flat or wavy disk. The 4 petals are 2-2.5 mm long.

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

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in coastal tropical regions in Queensland in Australia. It grows in scrubland.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

The leaves are used in curries to give a sour flavour.

It is sold in markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Akar asam riang, Akar iang-iang, Akar yang-yang, Som sandaan

Synonyms

Vitis hastata Miq.;