About Nekemias arborea (L.) J.Wen & Boggan
Nekemias arborea (L.) J.Wen & Boggan is a deciduous to semi-evergreen vine. It can grow like ground cover, but often grows as a high-climbing bushy vine, reaching 35 feet (11 m) or more in length. Its leaves are alternate, bi-pinnately divided, and grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and wide. Each leaf holds one to three pairs of leaflets. Leaflets are roughly ovate with coarse teeth, dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the lower surface. Newly emerged leaves are purple-red, changing to light green then dark green as they reach mature size. In fall, the foliage turns pale yellow or red. The vine produces flat-topped clusters of tiny green flowers. After flowering, clusters of pea-sized bluish-purple berries develop. The fleshy fruit grows up to 5/8 inch (16 mm) in diameter, and turns black and shiny when ripe. The ripe fruit attracts wildlife, but may be poisonous to humans. Nekemias arborea is cultivated and used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
