Cissus quadrangularis

Cissus quadrangularis L.

Common names

Mobole (Bemba); chisaula-nkunda (Kunda); chirisya, mlunga, mtambe, mwana-mfepo, mdangali, mlombwe (Nyanja).

General description and distinguishing characteristics

A deciduous climber Cissus quadrangularis has unmistakeable, square, winged cactus-like stems, becoming woody in larger specimens. Bark of quandrangular stems green, succulent with wings at the angles, 2-15mm broad. Tendrils present. Leaves often absent but where present simple, alternate, fleshy broadly ovate, and sometimes three lobed; margins dentate. Leaves up to 4 x 3cm. Petiole is up to 0.5-3cm long. Flowers appear in cymes up to 10cm in length opposite the new leaves on a peduncle up to 2cm long. Individual flowers are small, yellowish-green and inconspicuous, 2-3mm in diameter (September-October). Fruit a red, ovoid berry, typically 8mm in diameter containing a seed with a dorsal crest (November-December).

Range and habitat

Cissus quandrangularis occurs in the drier parts of tropical Africa and Madagascar, as well as in the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Far East. In the Luangwa Valley, it is primarily associated with mopane woodland on sand, usually growing on the mopane trees themselves.