Cissus quadrangularis is a perennial plant of the grape family. It is commonly known as veldt grape, devil's backbone, adamant creeper, asthisamharaka, hadjod and pirandai. The species is native to tropical Asia, Arabia and much of Africa. Cissus quadrangularis reaches a height of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and has quadrangular-sectioned branches with internodes 8–10 cm (3–4 in) long and 1.2–1.5 cm (0.5–0.6 in) wide. Along each angle is a leathery edge. Toothed trilobe leaves 2–5 cm (0.8–2.0 in) wide appear at the nodes. Each has a tendril emerging from the opposite side of the node. Racemes of small white, yellowish, or greenish flowers; globular berries are red when ripe. Cissus quadrangularis has been used as a medicinal plant since antiquity.
Give the plant a well-drained, airy, growing medium which mainly consists of non-organic material such us clay, pumice, lava grit, and only a little peat, or leaf-mould.
The plant is intolerant of any frost. It is hardy in the areas with the lowest winter temperatures of +1.7°C (35°F) to +4.4°C (40°F). Inside, room temperatures of around 65°F/16°C - 75°F/24°C will suffice.
This plant can be grown in a container. Choose a large pot with enough drainage holes. Repot annually in the spring.
