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.
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.