Cyphostemma juttae

aka “Namibian Grape,” “Tree Grape,” or just “that insane succulent with grapevine leaves”

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Cyphostemma juttae
• Family: Vitaceae (yep — the grapevine family )
• Origin: Namibia and parts of southern Africa
• Growth Habit: Deciduous succulent shrub/small tree
• Famous For: Huge, swollen trunk + lush tropical leaves = wild visual contrast (Cyphostemma Juttae)

Appearance

• Caudex / Trunk:
  • Thick, swollen, water-storing trunk — can reach over 1 meter wide with age
  • Smooth, peeling bark in tan to golden hues
  • Stores water like a baobab, allowing it to survive long dry spells
• Leaves:
  • Large, green, grapevine-like leaves with toothed edges
  • Soft and juicy-looking in the growing season
  • Deciduous — drops all leaves in winter or during drought, leaving behind a chunky, dramatic silhouette
• Height: 1.5–3 meters tall in cultivation (can get bigger in habitat) (Cyphostemma Juttae)

Flowers & Fruit

• Flowers: Small, yellow-green clusters — not super flashy
• Fruit: Bright red to purple grape-like berries (NOT edible — toxic)
  • The fruit adds ornamental value and attracts attention when present

Natural Habitat

• Grows in rocky, arid desert regions of Namibia
• Adapted to survive heat, drought, and extreme light exposure
• Thrives in well-drained, rocky soils with minimal organic matter

Cultivation & Care

Despite its exotic look, Cyphostemma juttae is easy to grow with the right setup:

• Light: Full sun to very bright light — essential for compact growth and leaf color
• Soil: Super well-draining — cactus/succulent mix with added pumice or perlite
• Water:
  • Regular watering in summer while in leaf
  • Completely dry in winter — it’s dormant and vulnerable to rot
• Temperature: Not frost-hardy
  • Keep above 5°C (41°F); protect from cold, wet winters
• Growth Rate: Slow, especially at first — but worth the patience! (Cyphostemma Juttae)

⚠️ Care Tips

• Overwatering = instant root rot — let it dry out fully between waterings
• Pots: Use clay pots for better breathability and drainage
• Pruning: Can be pruned to shape or reduce legginess in older plants
• Pests: Occasionally susceptible to mealybugs, but generally hardy

️ Conservation & Ethics

• Not endangered, but native habitat is vulnerable
• Always buy nursery-grown plants, never wild-collected

Why It’s a Star

• Looks tropical, but acts like a desert survivor
• Caudex + lush leaves = an incredible contrast
• Perfect for xeriscaping, sculptural pots, and collectors who love weird, bold plants
• Often called “one of the most beautiful succulents in the world”