Vitis sinocinerea

Description

Vitis (grapevines) is a genus of 79 accepted species of vining plants in the flowering plant family Vitaceae. The genus is made up of species predominantly from the Northern hemisphere. It is economically important as the source of grapes, both for direct consumption of the fruit and for fermentation to produce wine. The study and cultivation of grapevines is called viticulture. Vitis sinocinerea is a species of climbing vine in the grape family ranging widely over much of the Chinese mainland (Fujian, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Zhejiang) as well as Taiwan. In Chinese it is known as xiao ye pu tao, which can be translated as small-leaved grape. Its natural habitat is within forested or shrubby hills (200–2800 m. elev.). Vitis sinocinerea flowers in May and June, bearing fruit from July to October. It has calyptrate flower petals and the pistils are non-functional in male flowers. Its berries are usually 6–0 mm. in diameter, and darkly purple to black.