Yaroong, Long-leaved grape
Nothocissus sterculiifolia

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

An evergreen vine. It grows to 5-20 m high. The stems are woody, slender and branching. It has tendrils. The leaves are oblong and compound. They are divided into 3(-5) lobes or leaflets. The leaflets can be 7-16 cm long and narrowed towards the base. They are green on both surfaces with light saw teeth along the edge. The flower are small and in clusters near the leaves. The flowers are about 4 mm across and green. The fruit are oval berries 1.5-2 cm across. They are dark red and ripen to black. They hang in bunches along the stem.

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 rainforests. It prefers well composted, well drained, moist soil. It can grow in a shady position but also in the sun. It is drought and frost tender.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Pacific, Papua New Guinea

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten but burn the mouth.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from stem cuttings. They can also be grown from seed.

Fruit are ripe in Australia from February to October.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cissus sterculiifolia;