BioPl 243--Vitaceae

The Vitaceae are characterized by:

woody vines with tendrils	This space is for a photograph
tiny flowers in a compound cymose inflorescence arising opposite a leaf	This space is for a photograph
a corolla that often forms a cap that is early deciduous	This space is for a photograph
berry fruits	This space is for a photograph

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The Vitaceae is a family of about 700 species, most of which are tropical or sub-tropical woody vines with tendrils. The tendrils are unusual in that they are formed from the main stem, which has been subordinated by the more vigorous growth of the axillary branch in the opposing leaf axil.

The most famous member of this family is the grape (Vitis vinifera), which is native to the Orient and NW India. Juice from the fruits of this species provides us with wine as well as well as grape juice. The dried fruits are raisins or currants, depending on the variety of grape. Several other species of grapes are used in wine making, as well. This family also includes a number of ornamental vines suitable for growing on stone or masonry walls, such as the Virginia creeper and Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus spp., the "ivy" of the Ivy League), and the porcelain berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata). A number of species of Cissus are grown as houseplants, e.g. grape ivy (C. rhombifolia), kangaroo vine (C. antarctica), and begonia treebine (C. discolor).

Site created and maintained by Matthew Willmann and Melissa Luckow Cornell University, Ithaca, New York September 1998