Vitaceae
Cissus aralioides subsp. orientalis
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This species is a gracefully pendulous, climbing shrub or liana, with stems that can reach up to 25 metres long. It features woody bases and stout, green, succulent stems constricted at the nodes, often with sub-succulent leaves. The entire plant is covered in irritating hairs, and its leaves contain an acid and slightly acrid red sap. It is native to the wet tropical biome, including regions of East Africa like Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
Where it works in Kilifi
As a liana native to coastal East Africa, this species is suitable for a Kilifi-coast garden or landscape where it can be trained as a vigorous climber on a sturdy support. It could also be used in restoration plantings within its native range.
Growing notes
Propagation from seed is considered easy and quick. Cuttings can also be successfully rooted during the growing season; allow them to dry for approximately two weeks before planting in a bed of sand. Be aware that the plant has irritating hairs and acidic sap.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, researchgate.net, kew.org, sanbi.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.