SafePlants

Threeleaf Cayratia (Cayratia trifolia)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a vine, and some vines can present entanglement hazards.
• The plant contains hydrocyanic acid in its stem, leaves, and roots.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a vine, and some vines can present entanglement hazards.

Common Names

• Threeleaf Cayratia
• Bush Grape
• Fox-grape
• Three-leaved Wild Vine
• Slender Water Vine
• Kalit-kalit

It is also known by several names in Hindi and Marathi.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin
• Family: Vitaceae (Grape Family)
• Synonyms: Cayratia trifolia Linn.
• The name *trifolia* means "three leaves," referring to the plant's characteristic trifoliate leaves.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to India, Asia, and Australia.
• Also found in Yap.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial vine that climbs using tendrils.
• Leaves are trifoliate (having three leaflets) with petioles 2-3 cm long.
• Leaflet blades are approximately 3-9 x 2.5-9 cm, with lateral leaflet stalks about 0.3-0.5 cm long.
• Tendrils are 3-5 branched.

Traditional Uses and Chemical Constituents

• The plant has wide-ranging medicinal uses.
• Leaf extracts yield steroids, tannins, flavonoids, fatty acids, and terpenoids.
• The whole plant contains a yellow waxy oil.
• Studies on bark extract have shown antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and anticancer properties, as well as hypoglycemic effects.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cayratia japonica can be highly invasive, overgrowing other plants.

Quirky Facts

• The text refers to "pearl glands" commonly found on leaves within the Vitaceae family, hinting at interesting leaf structures on Threeleaf Cayratia.
• Anecdotal information indicates that chewing a leaf of a related species (Cissus crameriana) produced a burning sensation, suggesting the presence of irritants or specific chemical compounds within the family.