What is Grapevine?
Grapevine, Vitis vinifera, is a climbing plant bearing grapes in clusters. Table, raisin and wine cultivars vary within the species.
Botany and life cycle
1. Identity and native range Vitis vinifera belongs to Vitaceae and has a domestication history linked to western Asian wild relatives. Cultivated vines are not native everywhere planted. 2. How to recognize it Vines have lobed leaves and tendrils. Small flowers in clusters become fleshy grapes whose color and seeds vary by cultivar. 3. Flowering and reproduction Flower biology differs among cultivated and wild vines. Pollination supports fruit set; seedless cultivars develop differently. Cuttings and grafting preserve cultivars.
Ecology, cultivation and uses
4. Habitat and ecology It grows in sunny temperate regions. Fruit can feed wildlife; vineyard water, soil and pesticide management affect ecology. 5. Cultivation and care Use support and pruning for an airy canopy. Manage water and disease. Grafting to resistant rootstocks helps where phylloxera threatens roots. 6. Uses and cautions Grapes are eaten fresh, dried or processed. Alcohol in wine is a processing outcome, not a property of fresh grapes.