About 350, see text Cissus is a genus of approximately 350 species of lianas (woody vines) in the grape family (Vitaceae).

As a source of carotenoids, triterpenoids and ascorbic acid the extracts may have potential for medical effects, including "gastroprotective activity"[2] and benefits in terms of "lipid metabolism and oxidative stress".

Succulent members of the genus such as Cissus quadrangularis are also found in the nursery trade but tend to be frost tender and are thus not widely cultivated.

[5] The generic name is derived from the Greek word κισσος (kissos), meaning "ivy".

The genus name was established by Carl Linnaeus who used species epithets that are adjectives with feminine grammatical gender in Latin (e.g., C. trifoliata L.).