Cissus quadrangularis, popularly called Hadjod or Veldt Grape, is a succulent climbing vine of the grape family (Vitaceae). It is instantly recognised by its fleshy, square (quadrangular) green stems that are jointed at swollen nodes, from where tendrils, small leaves and roots emerge. The plant is leafless or nearly so for much of the year, with the green stems carrying out photosynthesis.
Native to India, Sri Lanka and the drier parts of Africa and Arabia, it is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in the heat of the Indian plains. In Ayurveda it is revered as 'Asthisamharaka' (bone-uniter) and is traditionally used to aid the healing of fractures, which gives it the Hindi name Hadjod, meaning 'bone-joiner'.
It is one of the easiest plants to grow: a single cut node pushed into soil will root readily, making it a favourite low-maintenance plant for pots, terraces and home medicinal gardens.
Specifications
| Family |
Vitaceae |
| Native region |
India, Sri Lanka, Africa and Arabian Peninsula |
| Mature height |
1.5-5 m as a scrambling climber |
| Mature spread |
1-2 m |
| Growth rate |
Moderate to fast in warm weather |
| Foliage |
Fleshy, four-angled green succulent stems; small lobed leaves at the nodes, often shed in dry spells |
| Flower colour |
Small whitish to greenish-white |
| Flower season |
Monsoon to post-monsoon (roughly July-December) |
| Climate zone |
Tropical and subtropical; suits most of plains India |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to bright partial shade; at least 4-6 hours of direct sun gives the sturdiest stems. |
| Watering |
Low. Water only when the soil is dry; allow it to dry out between waterings and reduce sharply in winter to avoid stem rot. |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; add sand/grit to potting mix. Tolerates poor, rocky soil but never waterlogging. |
| Temperature |
Thrives at 20-38 C; loves heat. Protect from frost, which damages the fleshy stems. |
| Humidity |
Prefers low to moderate humidity; dislikes constantly damp, humid conditions. |
| Fertilizer |
Minimal feeding. A little compost or dilute balanced fertilizer once during the growing season is enough. |
| Pruning |
Trim leggy or damaged stems any time in the warm season; cuttings can be replanted. Provide a support or trellis to climb. |
| Repotting |
Repot every 2-3 years or when pot-bound, ideally at the start of the monsoon or warm season, using a gritty free-draining mix. |
| Propagation |
Very easy from stem cuttings: plant a 1-2 node segment in moist sandy soil and it roots within a few weeks. |
| Pests & problems |
Generally pest-resistant. Mealybugs or scale may appear in poor airflow; over-watering causes fungal stem rot. |
| Toxicity / safety |
The fresh stem and sap contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate skin, mouth and throat if handled or eaten raw; it is processed before Ayurvedic use. Keep away from curious pets and children. |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
<p>Hadjod is grown mainly as a traditional medicinal and ornamental succulent climber.</p><ul><li>Classic Ayurvedic herb for supporting bone and joint health and the healing of fractures and sprains.</li><li>Tender shoots are used in South Indian cooking (e.g. Pirandai thogayal/chutney and pickle in Tamil Nadu) after proper preparation.</li><li>Easy, drought-hardy plant for home medicinal gardens, terrace pots and trellises.</li><li>Used in folk remedies for digestion and minor wounds.</li></ul>
Growing tips
<p>Plant or take cuttings at the onset of the monsoon (June-July) when rooting is fastest. Use a gritty, free-draining mix and a clay pot to prevent water sitting around the stems.</p><p>In peak summer it will tolerate full sun and long dry spells; water sparingly. During the cooler, drier winter months cut back watering drastically and keep it warm, as cold damp is the main cause of stem rot. Give it a stake or trellis so the square stems and tendrils can climb.</p>
