| Etymology | Genus | False (Notho) Cissus (a genus in the same family) |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Spike-bearing, referring to the inflorescences | |
| Family | Vitaceae | |
| Synonyms | Ampelocissus spicifer (Griff.) Merr., Cissus spicifera Griff. | |
| Common Names | False Cissus Vine | |
| Status | Native: Critically Endangered | |
| Form | Climber | |
| Native Distribution | Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, and Borneo | |
Diagnostics:
Nothocissus spicifera is a woody climber with leaf opposite tendrils, and leaves with mildly toothed margins.
Interesting Facts:
The False Cissus Vine belongs to a monotypic genus. It is frequently encountered in our Bukit Timah and Central Catchment Nature Reserves, as well as the Singapore Botanic Gardens (Yeo et al., 2012).
Form of Nothocissus spicifera in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve near Upper Seletar Reservoir.
An overhanging branch.
Inflorescences.
A young leaf, which is slightly glossy. Heart-shaped base may not be present.
Tendril growing opposite the leaf.
Tiny flowers.
Developing fruits.
References
Yeo CK, WF Ang & AFSL Lok. (2012) Conservation status of Nothocissus spicifera (Miq.) Latiff (Vitaceae) in Singapore. Nature in Singapore, 5: 191-193.Author: Siyang
Posted: 2014-07-11 / Modified: 2025-10-28