Cynanchum viminale (Caustic Bush)

Cynanchum viminale (Caustic Bush) yellow flower close up on woody leafless pencil succulent branches
Cynanchum viminale (Caustic Bush) with yellow flower clusters upon thin leafless grey woody succulent branches

Botanical names: Cynanchum viminale, Sarcostemma viminale

Common names: Caustic Bush, Rapunzel Plant

Family: Apocynaceae    (Formerly:Asclepiadaceae)

Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae

Origin: Western Africa

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Small plant 2-5 ftPlant form: Small
Plant mature sizeMature height: 2-5 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeShadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade; shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWater Requirement: Low. Allow soil to dry out between wateringsWatering: Moderate; tolerates dry conditions
Yellow, orange flowersFlower color: Yellow, orange
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Irritating plantIrritating or toxic: Irritating
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Cynanchum viminale is a leafless succulent plant with cylindrical, green photosynthetic stems. The plant may grow as a shrub or a scandent vine. The stems produce copious amounts of milky exudate when broken. This exudate is caustic in nature and can cause burns if it contacts human skin. The plant produces small white flowers in clusters.

Toxicity appears to be variable, even locally.

An interesting plant for succulent, cactus and rock/cliff gardens and spilling over dry walls. It also does well in hanging containers.

Similar plants: Cynanchum viminale (Caustic Bush)


Cynanchum viminale (Caustic Bush) yellow flower close up capturing delicate petals within a branch cluster.
Cynanchum viminale (Caustic Bush) flower cluster with slender yellow petals attached to thin grey woody stems.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/cynanchum_viminale.htm
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