SafePlants

Kangaroo Treebine and its Relatives: A Botanical Overview

This page explores various plants in the Cissus genus, often referred to as treebines, including their characteristics, uses, and distribution.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Cissus species are vines, and rapid growth might be something to be aware of if you have animals that may ingest the plant material.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Cissus spp. (various species)
• Common Names:
  • Kangaroo Treebine
  • Ivy Treebine
  • Marine Ivy
  • Grape Ivy
  • Venezuela Treebine
  • Winged Treebine
  • Javanese Treebine

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Cissus
• Family: Vitaceae (Grape Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms and related species:
  • Cissus campestris (Baker) Planch.
  • Cissus cornifolia (Baker)
  • Cissus intermedia A.Rich.
  • Cissus javana DC.
  • Cissus incisa (syn: Cissus trifoliata)
  • Cissus quadrangularis (Winged Treebine) also known as Vitis quadrangularis
  • Cissus rhombifolia
  • Cissus gongylodes
  • Cissus nodosa
  • Cissus rotundifolia

Distribution and Habitat

• Cissus incisa is native to the southern and south-central United States.
• Cissus rhombifolia originates from Central and South America.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Several Cissus species are vines or creepers.
• Ivy treebine is a rapid-growing, semi-evergreen groundcover or vine.
• Cissus rhombifolia (Grape Ivy, Venezuela Treebine) is a climber vine. Its leaves are trifoliate and light bronze-green.
• Ivy treebine has thick, ivy-like trifoliate leaves with incised edges.

Traditional Uses

• Cissus quadrangularis (Winged Treebine) is an ancient Ayurvedic botanical used for centuries. Its Hindi name, Hadjod, means "(the one) that unites softened bones", and its Sanskrit name, asthisamharaka, has a similar meaning.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "Cow-Itch" is sometimes applied to Ivy Treebine (Cissus incisa).

Further Information

• Dave's Garden offers a community forum for sharing tips and ideas about gardens and plants.
• Plants of Hawaii provides images and information, particularly regarding Cissus nodosa.
• The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Cissus rhombifolia 'Ellen Danica' Venezuela treebine.