Widespread on the island of Socotra (Yemen), this species is a low shrub that grows mostly in the lower elevation alluvial fans or on mostly limestone slopes. Unlike many members of the genus Cissus, this one does not have climbing stems. The stems are flattened and gray-green in color, the leaves are small and inconspicuous, and the flowers are also inconsequential. These plants are rooted cuttings in 5-inch pots.