Vitis

Ornamental vines and woody climbers from across the Northern Hemisphere. Often attractive lobed leaves which colour up well in autumn. Flowers rather small, but followed by pendant clusters of fruits (grapes) especially after hot, dry summers. Vines have been cultivated for over 5000 years, with potentially over 10000 different grape varieties being used in that time. Many are associated with V. vinifera, the European and West Asian vine and V. labrusca from Eastern North America.