Woody climbers. Tendrils present, usually branched, in some species forming adhesive disks on touching a solid support. Leaves simple, 3-lobed or (3-) 5-foliolate. Inflorescences in terminal or leaf-opposed compound cymes. Petals free, patent or deflexed. Disk joined with the base of the ovary and not visible as a distinct structure. Fruit a 1-4-seeded berry, bluish-black, usually pruinose. Derivation of name: From the Greek: virgin ivy. Worldwide: 10 species in temperate Asia and N America Zimbabwe: 3 cultivated taxa. |