Vitaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Climbing woody vines (lianas) or occasionally shrubs, with tendrils arising opposite leaves
• Tendrils and inflorescences are homologous structures (both are modified shoots)
• Alternate, simple palmately lobed to palmately compound leaves
• Small, inconspicuous 4–5-merous flowers with petals often falling as a calyptra (cap)
• Prominent intrastaminal nectar disk
• Berry fruits with 1–4 hard seeds

Notable Genera

• Vitis (grape)
• Parthenocissus (Virginia creeper, Boston ivy)
• Ampelopsis (pepper vine)
• Cissus (treebine)

Notes

Vitis vinifera is the foundation of the global wine industry, one of the oldest and most economically significant cultivated plants. Grapes are also important as fresh fruit and for raisins and juice. Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) and P. tricuspidata (Boston ivy) are popular ornamental climbers. Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) devastated European vineyards in the 19th century.