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Vitis labrusca x Vitis vinifera

L., L.,

Hybrid grape, Uva, Uva-hibrida, Pu tao, Waina

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Sara Rall, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Sara Rall

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Theo Witsell, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Theo Witsell

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Gwyneth Govers, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Gwyneth Govers

Vitis labrusca, the fox grape, is a species of grapevines belonging to the Vitis genus in the flowering plant family Vitaceae. The vines are native to eastern North America and are the source of many grape cultivars, including Catawba, Concord, Delaware, Isabella, Niagara, and many hybrid grape varieties such as Agawam, Alexander and Onaka. Among the characteristics of this vine species in contrast to the European wine grape Vitis vinifera are its "slip-skin" that allows the skin of the grape berries to easily slip off when squeezed, instead of crushing the pulp, and the presence of tendrils on every node of the cane. Vitis labrusca also tends to have strong resistance to mildews and phylloxera. Another contrast with European V. vinifera are unique flavors, best known to most people through the Concord grape. The term "foxy" became a sort of catchall for the wine tasting descriptors used for these American wines that were distinct from the familiar flavors of the European viniferous wines. These flavors have been described as strawberry, raspberry, cotton candy, and "grapey" (because Americans associate these flavors with popular grape juices, candies, jellies and jams, sodas, and more made with Concord grapes). Occasionally, depending on the winemaking, V. labrusca grapes can impart a musky flavor to wine, which some find intriguing while others dislike, but this can be mitigated or increased by winegrowing and winemaking practices. Vitis labrusca is in the parentage of the world's most planted grape variety, Kyoho.

Description

A climbing plant. It is robust and woody. It loses its leaves in the winter. The leaves are variable. They are leathery and rough on top. The leaves are 14-28 cm long. The male and female flowers are in the same group. The fruit are round and thin skinned. They are sweet and juicy.

Edible Uses

The fruit are eaten fresh or made into wine.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten fresh or made into wine.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Brazil, Hawaii, Pacific, South America, USA,

Cultivation

Plants are grown by grafting.

Dangerous Lookalikes

This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.

DEADLY

Canadian Moonseed

Menispermum canadense

Cbaile19

Safe

Hybrid grape

Vitis labrusca x Vitis vinifera

(c) Sara Rall, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Sara Rall

Canadian Moonseed: No tendrils, single crescent/moon-shaped seed, leaf stem attaches to underside of leaf.

Hybrid grape: Vine with tendrils, round seeds, leaf stem at edge of leaf, bark that peels.

Synonyms

A hybrid of American and European grapes.

References (2)

  • Lorenzi, H., Bacher, L., Lacerda, M. & Sartori, S., 2006, Brazilian Fruits & Cultivated Exotics. Sao Paulo, Instituto Plantarum de Estuados da Flora Ltda. p 630
  • Staples, G.W. and Herbst, D.R., 2005, A tropical Garden Flora. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. p 574 (Drawing)

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