Formerly included in the genus Cissus, the genus Cyphostemma
contains some of the most desirable and attractive of all caudiciform
plants. In their native habitat, these extraordinary pachycaul members
of the Vitaceae are rare and long-lived plants. Cyphostemma is
distributed throughout the desert habitats of eastern and southern
Africa, and some are endemic to Madagascar.
Cyphostemma cv. Fat Bastard
The species most
commonly found in cultivation is C. juttae, sometimes found with its
old label, Cissus juttae. It is outstanding for its much thickened,
massive trunk which can reach 3 feet or more in height, often producing
several stout branches. This inflated trunk is almost wholly composed
of succulent tissue and is protected by a distinctive and ornamental
corky rind or periderm which peels, flakes, and rolls away so that the
plant appears to be shedding its skin.
Cyphostemma juttae
The large, fleshy leaves
of C. juttae are also striking, borne in terminal clusters, often
elevated on short, succulent stems emerging from tips of the tapering
trunks. They are a waxy, glaucous green, tinged with mauve when young;
oval, with an irregular, deeply serrated margin and prominent veins.
They tend to display white latex droplets on the reverse side. The
flowers appear in tall, fleshy peduncles elevated above the foliage.
Conspicuous clusters of red, grape-like fruit are produced, each
containing one seed.
