Plant · GBIF taxon 3039173
Possum grape
Cissus verticillataAlso 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
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
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
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 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.
Frequent Companion (c) Kevin Faccenda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Melissa McMasters, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Gary Rogers, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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