Water Vine

(Cissus hypoglauca)

Water Vine (Cissus hypoglauca)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cissus hypoglauca, commonly known as Water Vine, Giant Water Vine, or Jungle Grape, is a vigorous evergreen vine native to the rainforests and moist, shaded areas of eastern Australia. It is a member of the grape family and can grow quite large, with mature vines developing woody stems. This species typically climbs up trees and other structures using tendrils, reaching for sunlight in its dense, native habitat. The vine’s foliage is lush, with leaves that are often five-lobed and a deep green color.

Cissus hypoglauca is appreciated for its ability to create a dense canopy, making it an excellent choice for creating natural shade in gardens. It flowers with small, inconspicuous yellow blooms that appear in terminal umbels, mostly during spring and summer. The flowers are followed by striking blue berries that are edible but have an acrid aftertaste. These berries are a source of food for birds and small animals. In cultivation, it is used for covering pergolas, trellises, and fences, and is also suitable for indoor use as a houseplant. Water Vine requires consistently moist soil and thrives in part to full shade, avoiding direct sunlight. It is relatively low-maintenance but should be monitored for scale insects and mealybugs, which can sometimes infest the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine
  • Height: 6-15 feet
  • Width: 2-7 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to the rainforests and moist, shaded areas of eastern Australia

Other Names

Common Names: Water Vine, Giant Water Vine, Five-Leaf Water Vine, Jungle Vine, Native Grapes, Billangai

Scientific Names: , Cissus hypoglauca, Nothocissus hypoglauca, Vitis hypoglauca, Cissus australasica,

GBIF Accepted Name: Nothocissus hypoglauca (A.Gray) Latiff