Veld Grape (Cissus quadrangularis)

Cissus quadrangularis, commonly known as Veld Grape, Devil's Backbone, Hadjod (in India), and by various other vernacular names, is a perennial plant of the grape family, Vitaceae. It is native to tropical Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, showcasing the plant's adaptability to a range of climates, particularly arid environments. The species is well-regarded for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine systems across various cultures.The plant is characterized by its distinctive quadrangular (four-sided), segmented stems that resemble the shape of a backbone, which is where one of its common names, "Devil's Backbone," derives from. These stems are green to yellowish-green in color and can grow quite long, often sprawling or climbing with the help of tendrils that emerge from the nodes. The leaves are simple, broad, and succulent, arranged alternately along the stem, and usually have a toothed margin.Cissus quadrangularis produces small, white or yellowish-gre