Veldt Grape

Cissus quadrangularis

Physical Characteristics

Cissus quadrangularis is an evergreen Climber growing to 5 m (16ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Throughout tropical Africa; through the Arabian Peninsula to the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young green stems - cooked[ 310 ]. Usually fried or curried[ 310 ]. The leaves and young shoots are used in the preparation of poppadoms and curries[ 301 ]. Fruit[ 301 ]. The ash of the plant is used as a substitute for baking powder[ 310 ].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Anthelmintic Antiasthmatic Antifungal Antihaemorrhoidal Antirheumatic Poultice An infusion of the plant is antifungal and anthelmintic. The pulped stem is given in the treatment of asthma; is used as an alterative in cases of amenorrhoea; and is given in the treatment of haemorrhoids. The leaves or young stems are analgesic and also speed the rate of healing. They are crushed and applied as a poultice to ease the pain of broken bones; for the maturation of boils; to cure wounds and burns; to ease the pain of rheumatic joints; and also as a treatment for saddle sores on horses. The powdered dry roots are used for treating indigestion. The powdered root is considered to be a specific in the treatment of fractured bones.

Known Hazards

None known