About Vitis palmata Vahl
Scientific name: Vitis palmata Vahl. The specific epithet "palmata" refers to this species' characteristic palmately lobed leaves. Each leaf has 3 to 5 lobes, which are acuminate, with rounded sinuses. The leaves are ovate in shape, typically measuring around 10 to 15 centimeters long and wide, and usually lack hairs. This plant has branched tendrils. Its flowers emerge in late spring, borne in densely compound panicle inflorescences that are 5 to 15 centimeters long. The plant produces dark purple or blackish berries 5 to 8 millimeters in diameter, which ripen in late summer. These berries are eaten by many species of birds and animals, and can be used to make wild grape jelly, though not all berries are juicy or notably flavorful. Leaves, tendrils, flowers, and fruit all grow from herbaceous, crimson-colored branches.
