Cissus quinquangularis is a succulent climber that is known from 17 herbarium specimens collected between 1912 to 2015, from the coastal forests of Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. Though this species is found in protected areas across it range, also, it occurs in non-protected areas where human activities have strongly impacted its habitat. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) exceeds the threshold of the vulnerable category under sub-criterion B1. However, its area of occupancy (AOO) appears to be limited and falls within the Endangered category under sub-criterion B2. The destruction and degradation of Cha Simba and Pangani rocks has resulted in the decline of the AOO of the species as well as the number of locations and mature individuals. Based on the known threats, we infer a continued decline in the number of populations and mature individuals as well the area of occupancy. As there are calculated to be 11–12 locations. This species is assessed here as Near Threatened as it almost qualifies for a threatened listing under criterion B2.

This species is native to Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania 0–450 m asl. It is known from 17 herbarium specimens collected between 1912 and 2015 in the coastal forest of East Africa; Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania, 12 specimens represent unique occurrences. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 198,541 km² and area of occupancy (AOO) is 64 km².

Cissus quinquangularis is not widely distributed in its natural habitat and it is likely to be declining considering the threats its habitat faces. Most of its habitat are relicts of the coastal forests of East Africa hence fragmented.

This species is a climber which grows in dry bushlands and scrublands.

Habitat loss is threatening this species as a result of subsistence agriculture, mining, infrastructure development, charcoal burning, cutting down trees for construction and sale and poor forests management. This species is mostly found in Kayas which are protected by local communities and National Museums of Kenya as national monuments. However, protection received by the Kayas is decreasing. Mismanagement of the Kayas also puts this species into potential threat. Mining that takes place at the coastal forest poses a severe threat to this species in addition to habitat loss to farming and infrastructure development. Considering a number of its collections has been reported in Cha Simba, Pangani Rocks, and near quarry site in Kwale, these collection sites are faced by severe threats are likely lost.

The species may be used for medicinal purposes.

This species is found in six protected areas across its range; Gongoni forest, Kimboza forest reserve, Kaya Jibana, Kaya Kambe, East Usambara mountains and Kazimzumbwi NR (which is currently degraded). The species is reported to be in 10 ex situ collections (BGCI 2023).