Cissus tuberosus Family: Vitaceae Common Name(s): Grown by: Kristin Yanker-Hansen, Danville Etymology: Cissus - from the Greek, kissos, for ivy tuberosus - referring to the caudexlike tubers Found very happily growing under the bench in Kristin’s unshaded greenhouse where temperatures allegedly reach 130°F demonstrating their affinity for hot, dry conditions. In shade the stems are fat and fleshy, sun focuses the plant’s energy into the tubers. .. Photo by Steve Morse