| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Eudicots-Unplaced Rosids
Order: Vitales
Family: Vitaceae
Family Common Name: Grape Family
Genera: Vitis |
Defining Features: The family
is mostly vines and is easily recognized by its distinctive leaf morphology
and the tendrils opposite them.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Inflorescences determinate in cymes, racemes or panicles and
borne opposite the leaves. Flowers are bisexual or unisexual, actinomorphic
with nectar disc usually forming a ring between the ovary and the stamens.
Ovaries are superior with axile placentation. Fruit and Seed Features:
Dicotyledon. Fruit a berry. Vegetative Features: Habit as woody vines.
Leaves are alternate with palmately compound, lobed or veined blades. Leaves
margins are often with coarse teeth. Stipule is present.
Distribution: Widespread in
warmer climates and some in temperate regions.
Economic Use: Extremely important
as the source of table grapes, raisins, juice and wine grapes. Commonly
cultivated as well for the climbing ornamentals such as Virginia Creeper
and Boston Ivy.
Number of Genera Globally:
12
Number of Species Globally:
700
