Cissus obovata

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A slightly woody vine. It climbs by means of tendrils and grows 3-15 m long. The stems are branched and angular and fleshy. They are 3-8 mm across. They are flexible and swollen at the nodes. The leaves are alternate and have 3 leaflets. The leaflets are oval and 1-6 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. The leaflets are unequal in the side leaflets. The flowering shoots are opposite the leaves. The flowers are reddish. The fruit are round and 4-5 mm across. They are black or purple when ripe. There is one seed 5 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Dominican Republic, Hispaniola, India, Lesser Antilles, Northeastern India, Puerto Rico, West Indies

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

The plants flower in June and fruit in July.

Its other names

Local names

Puar-peng

Synonyms

Cissus caustica Tussac; Cissus tuberculata Jacq.;