Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3039173

Possum Grape

Cissus verticillata

Also known as Princess Vine, Seasonvine, Curtain Vine

Possum grape weaves dense green blankets over canopy trees and fences across tropical and subtropical landscapes. Distinctive curtain-like aerial roots dangle from climbing stems toward the soil, absorbing atmospheric moisture before anchoring in the ground. Small yellowish flowers give way to clusters of glossy dark berries that feed local bird populations throughout the year.

Climbing VineEvergreenPerennial
Possum Grape reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Leonel Roget, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Leonel Roget · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Herbivorous insects
  • Caterpillars
  • Frugivorous birds
ThreatsLocalized clearing, though widespread and secure overall
HabitatsTropical forests, coastal thickets, hammocks, riverbanks, and disturbed sites
Life span10–30 years
Classification
  1. OrderVitales
  2. FamilyVitaceae
  3. GenusCissus
  4. SpeciesCissus verticillata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Sap causes skin irritation and wild berries have toxic look-alikes; avoid contact and never ingest.
Why it is dangerous
Sap contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that cause skin irritation, burning, and severe inflammation if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by hanging curtain-like aerial roots, tendril-bearing climbing vines, and smooth heart-shaped leaves.
What to do
Wear gloves and eye protection when pruning, and thoroughly wash any skin exposed to fresh sap.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look for long, curtain-like aerial roots cascading down from tree branches.
  • Handling: Wear garden gloves when trimming stems to avoid contact with irritating sap.
  • Foraging Warning: Do not taste or consume wild dark berries due to misidentification risks.
Related species
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