Vitis sp.

Vitis is a genus of about 60 species of vining plants. The grape is usually a woody vine, climbing by means of tendrils (modified branches) and when untrained often reaching a length of 17 metres (56 feet) or more. In arid regions it may form an almost erect shrub. The leaves are alternate, palmately lobed, and always tooth-edged. Small greenish flowers, in clusters, precede the fruit, which varies in color from almost black to green, red, and amber.

The plants are valued for their decorative foliage, often coloring brightly in autumn; their ability to clothe walls, pergolas and arches, thus providing shade; and their fruits, which may be eaten as dessert or provide the basis for homemade wines.

Similar plants:

• Cissus discolor, Vitis discolor (Rex Begonia Vine, Painted Cissus, Tapestry Vine )
• Cissus quadrangularis, Vitis quadrangularis (Veld grape)
• Cissus striata, Vitis striata, Parthenocissus striata, Sugar Vine (Miniature Grape Ivy, Ivy of Uruguay)
• Cyphostemma bainesii, Cissus bainesii, Vitis bainesii (African Tree Grape, Gouty Vine, Butterwood Tree)
• Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Lingonberry, Cowberry)
• Vitis cinerea (Winter Grape, Possum Grape, Graybark Grape)
• Vitis rotundifolia, Muscadinia rotundifolia (Muscadine Grape, Scuppernong, Bullace, Southern Fox Grape)
• Vitis vinifera (Wine Grape)