Cissus erosa Rich.

  • Authority

    Acevedo-Rodríguez, Pedro. 2005. Vines and climbing plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 51: 1-483.

  • Family

    Vitaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Cissus erosa Rich.

  • Description

    Description - Non-woody vine, that climbs by means of tendrils and attains 5-6 m in length. Stems angular, quadrangular, or 4-6-winged, branched, glabrous or puberulent, the nodes swollen. Leaves alternate, trifoliolate; leaflets elliptical, lanceolate, or ovate, 4.3-10.5 x 3-5.5 cm (the terminal leaflet larger), glabrous or puberulent on the prominent veins, the apex acute or obtuse, the base acute, obtuse, or attenuate on the central leaflet and unequal on the lateral leaflets, the margins serrate; petiolules very short or absent; petioles canaliculate or slightly winged, 2-3(5) cm long; stipules deltoid, auriculate at the base, 2-4 mm long. Tendrils opposite the leaves, simple, filiform, 10-12 cm long, sometimes terminating in adventitious discs. Inflorescences of umbelliform cymes, opposite the leaves; peduncle longer than the accompanying leaf; pedicels 2-2.5 mm long, reddish. Calyx ca. 1 mm high, red or pink, truncate; petals red, glabrous, papillose; stamens green; disc reddish. Fruits globose, 5-7 mm in diameter, black when ripe. Seed one, 5-7 mm long.

    Phenology - Flowering throughout the year.

    Conservation Status - Native, common.