Caro de tres hojas (Cissus erosa, Actes Soc. Hist. Nat. Paris 1: 106 (1792))

Family: Vitaceae

Author: Rich.

Bibliography: Actes Soc. Hist. Nat. Paris 1: 106 (1792)

Year: 1792

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cissus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Cissus erosa, commonly known as Caro de tres hojas, is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the Vitaceae family. First described in the late 18th century, it has an intriguing botanical history dating back to its inclusion in the journal “Actes de la Société d’Histoire Naturelle de Paris” in 1792 by the botanist Rich. This plant showcases the rich biodiversity found within its native range, spanning from Mexico to tropical regions throughout the Americas.

As its common name suggests, Caro de tres hojas is characterized by its distinctive leaves, which typically group in sets of three. This trifoliate leaf pattern is not only a salient identification feature but also contributes to the plant’s aesthetic appeal. The lush, green foliage of Cissus erosa can often be seen thriving in various habitats, from forested areas to urban gardens, illustrating its adaptability to various environmental conditions.

Cissus erosa is part of the larger Vitaceae family, which includes many plants revered for both their ornamental and practical uses. Within this family, members are known for their climbing or vining nature, often employing tendrils to support their growth towards sunlight. This growth habit allows Caro de tres hojas to climb and spread efficiently, making it an excellent ground cover or a decorative addition to trellises and fences.

The plant’s geographical distribution from Mexico through tropical America highlights its preference for warmer, humid climates. This widespread occurrence across various countries underscores its ecological versatility. In the wild, Cissus erosa contributes to the biodiversity of tropical ecosystems, often interweaving with other flora to create complex and dynamic habitats.

Cissus erosa holds potential beyond its botanical and visual appeal, contributing to the ecological health of its native environments. As part of the Vitaceae family, it potentially plays a role in supporting local wildlife, providing habitats and food sources for various animal species.

In summary, Cissus erosa, or Caro de tres hojas, stands out as a botanically significant plant with its historical documentation and widespread presence across tropical America. Its distinctive trifoliate leaves, climbing habit, and adaptability to different environments make it a notable member of the Vitaceae family, enriching both natural ecosystems and cultivated gardens with its presence.

Common Names

Eng: caro de tres hojas
En: Caro de tres hojas

Synonyms

• Cissus epidendrica (Vell.)
• Cissus sexangularis (Ernst)
• Cissus urupaensis (Hoehne)
• Cissus semivirgata (Planch.)
• Cissus epidendron (Eichler)
• Vitis pohlii (Baker)
• Cissus quadrialata (Kunth)
• Cissus guaranitica (Chodat)
• Cissus salutaris (Kunth)
• Vitis salutaris ((Kunth) Baker)
• Cissus obliqua (Sessé & Moc.)
• Cissus sylvatica (Cambess.)
• Cissus lucida (Poir.)
• Vitis scabra (Baker)
• Vitis suberecta (Baker)
• Cissus burchellii ((Baker) Planch.)
• Cissus erosa subsp. linearifolia ((Baker) Lombardi)
• Cissus pohlii ((Baker) Planch.)
• Cissus erosa var. guaranitica (Hassl.)
• Vitis burchellii (Baker)
• Cissus duarteana var. sessilifolia ((Baker) Planch.)
• Cissus erosa var. linearifolia ((Baker) Hoehne)
• Cissus erosa var. salutaris ((Kunth) Planch.)
• Cissus uribei (Dugand)
• Vitis miqueliana (Baker)
• Cissus elongata (Miq.)
• Vitis sessilifolia (Baker)
• Cissus suberecta ((Baker) Malme)
• Vitis erosa ((Rich.) Baker)
• Cissus elongata var. linearifolia ((Baker) Hoehne)
• Vitis miqueliana var. linearifolia (Baker)
• Cissus inundata var. suberecta ((Baker) Planch.)
• Cissus matudae (Lundell)
• Cissus scabra ((Baker) Planch.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Oct 4, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Luca H. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 14, 2021 by Lauton Everton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Antoine Chourrot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by Martins Vanessa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Antoine Chourrot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Magnun Paula Pereira (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2021 by Lu to (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 4, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:67646-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3039162)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cissus erosa Rich.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine

Growth