Plant · GBIF taxon 3039173
Cissus verticillata
cissus verticillataAlso known as Princess Vine, Seasonvine, Curtain Vine, Possum Grape
Princess vine cascades through canopy foliage and over coastal thickets, dangling long, curtain-like aerial roots toward the ground. Small yellowish-green flowers bloom in clusters along the stems, giving way to dark purple berries that feed tropical birds and bats. The flexible stems were historically used as natural cordage, though the plant spreads rapidly across sunlit forest margins.
Climbing VineTropicalEvergreen
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Nutrients
Predators
- Herbivorous Insects
- Fruit Birds
- Fruit Bats
ThreatsHabitat clearance, extreme cold snaps
HabitatsTropical moist forests, coastal thickets, mangroves, riverbanks
Life spanPerennial (10 to 30 years)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderVitales
- FamilyVitaceae
- GenusCissus
- Speciescissus verticillata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Sap contains acrid calcium oxalate crystals; avoid skin contact and never ingest wild berries.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe localized skin irritation, burning, and mucosal swelling if chewed.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for climbing woody stems with alternate glossy leaves and reddish or green aerial roots trailing to the ground.
- What to do
- Wear heavy gloves when clearing or pruning vines, and avoid touching eyes or mouth after handling.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for long aerial roots trailing down like green curtains from canopy trees.
- Handling: Avoid cutting or tearing vines with bare hands to prevent contact with irritating sap.
- Garden Use: Provide sturdy trellises if cultivated, as woody adult stems become heavy.
Close Relative (c) Gary Rogers, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Family Member 
Family Member (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.