Nothocissus sterculiifolia

(F. Muell. ex Benth.) Planchon

Yaroong, Long-leaved grape

Vitaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Description

An evergreen vine. It grows to 5-20 m high. The stems are woody, slender and branching. It has tendrils. The leaves are oblong and compound. They are divided into 3(-5) lobes or leaflets. The leaflets can be 7-16 cm long and narrowed towards the base. They are green on both surfaces with light saw teeth along the edge. The flower are small and in clusters near the leaves. The flowers are about 4 mm across and green. The fruit are oval berries 1.5-2 cm across. They are dark red and ripen to black. They hang in bunches along the stem.

Edible Uses

The fruit are eaten, though they have a mouth-burning quality.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten but burn the mouth.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Known Hazards

The fruit burn the mouth when eaten.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in rainforests. It prefers well composted, well drained, moist soil. It can grow in a shady position but also in the sun. It is drought and frost tender.

Where It Grows

Australia*, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from stem cuttings. They can also be grown from seed.

Production

Fruit are ripe in Australia from February to October.

Notes

There are about 200-350 Cissus species. There are about 75 species in tropical America.

Synonyms

Cissus sterculiifolia

References (5)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 259 (As Cissus sterculiifolia)
Cooper W & Cooper W T, 1994, Fruits of the Rain Forest. RD Press p 74 (As Cissus sterculiifolia)
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1984, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 3. Lothian. p 40 (As Cissus sterculiifolia)
Jackes, B.R., 2001, Plants of the Tropics. Rainforest to Heath. An Identification Guide. James Cook University. p 86 (As Cissus sterculiifolia)
Ratcliffe D & P., 1987, Australian Native Plants for Indoors. Little Hills press. p 70 (As Cissus sterculiifolia)