Biology:Cissus tuberosa

Short description: Species of vine

Cissus tuberosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Vitales
Family:	Vitaceae
Genus:	Cissus
Species:	C. tuberosa
Binomial name
Cissus tuberosa Moc. & Sessé ex DC.

Cissus tuberosa is a species of the Cissus genus in the Vitaceae (or commonly known as grape) family. It is also incorrectly known as Vitis tuberosa.

Distribution

This species is native to Puebla, Mexico, where it can be found in rocky outcrops at an elevation of 5000 feet.

Description

Cissus tuberosa has a caudiciform stem that can grow up to ten inches in diameter and yards long with additional deciduous vines that can reach lengths of five yards or longer. During droughts, the vines die back leaving the caudex, which is normally mottled green and gray in color.

Cultivation

This plant can tolerate high heat and full sun to light shade exposure. During the summer C. tuberosa should be watered regularly and drained well. During the winter months, when dormancy occurs, the plant requires much less water and should only be water once every two to four weeks to prevent excessive drying. Frost damage occurs at 28 °F so the plant should be maintained at a temperature above this, preferably in the 40-50 °F range. USA hardiness zones 9b-11 are recommended for best growth.

References

1. Brethauer, Bruce. Cissus tuberosa. Plant of the Month. The Central Ohio Cactus and Succulent Society.
2. "Cissus tuberosa De Candolle." Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Plant Growth Facilities. The University of Connecticut. <http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/198502646.html>

Wikidata ☰ Q5122256 entry