4909.000 Vitis L. - Grapevines

Lianas, woody, usually bark shedding. Stipules usually caducous. Tendrils leaf opposed, usually bifurcate. Leaves simples, often lobed, sometimes palmately compound. Inflorescence thyrses; flowers 5-merous; calyx saucer shaped; sepals minute; petals united at apex and shed as a cap at anthesis; stamens opposite to petals. Fruit berries, globose, 2-4 seeded. Seeds obovoid.

Derivation of name: The Latin name for the grapevine.

Worldwide: Species 60; mostly in temperate regions, extending to sub-tropical.

Zimbabwe: 1 cultivated taxon.