Grapes are various species of woody
vines in the genus Vitis,
family Vitaceae. This family contains about 700 species most of which occur in
tropical and subtropical climates, although some occur in temperate habitats. The genusVitis has about 50 species. Grapes are
ecologically important as food for wildlife. They
are also cultivated by humans in large quantities, mostly for the production of
table grapes, raisins, and wines.
Some species of grapes are occasionally used in horticulture. The desired utilization is generally as a wall covering
and sometimes for the visual aesthetics of the foliage in the autumn. Species
commonly grown for these horticultural purposes are Vitis vinifera and V.
coignetiae. The Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a
closely related native species that is also often used for these purposes as is
the introduced Boston ivy (P. tricuspidata). http://science.jrank.org/pages/3099/Grapes.html
There some
parts of the grape vine. Arms, shoots and roots grow from the trunk of
the grape vine. Grafted grapevines are the result of one plant's rootstock and
another plant's above ground portion, called the scion, grafted together to
form one plant. On mature grapevines, the trunk has arms which sprout the shoot
tips that turn into canes. On younger vines, the shoot tips sprout off the
trunk.
As the shoot grows, it leaves behind
a trail of nodes and the spaces between them, known as internodes. Leaves,
flowers and tendrils grow from the nodes. The typical grape leaf has five
lobes, which are akin to five fingers on a hand, and a stem called a petiole.
And the important part is flower. Fruitful shoots develop opposite the leaves
and beget one to three flower clusters, depending on the variety. About every
third leaf, tendrils grow instead of flower clusters. Tendrils attach the vine
to its support, responding to physical touch from an object by coiling around
it to keep the vine from sprawling along the ground. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/parts-grape-vine-55951.html
Wild grapes vines grow in many
locations such as along roadsides, fence rows, forest edges and along river
banks. They are also sometimes found in hard wood forests, growing up along with
the trees after logging, fire, or a windfall as they cannot reproduce in the
shade. http://www.ediblewildfood.com/wild-grape-vine.aspx
Some kinds are found in deserts,
others in temperate forests, and others in tropical areas. Wild grapes are
commonly found throughout the eastern United States as well as in the
southwestern desert areas. Most kinds are rampant climbers over other
vegetation. The best place to look for wild grapes is on the edges of forested
areas. Wild grapes are also found in Mexico. In the Old World, wild grapes are
found from the Mediterranean region eastward through Asia, the East Indies, and
to Australia. Africa also has several kinds of wild grapes. http://www.survivaliq.com/survival/edible-and-medicinal-plants-wild-grape-vine.html
The health benefits of grapes
include their ability to treat constipation, indigestion, fatigue, kidney
disorders, macular degeneration and the prevention of cataracts. Grapes, one of
the most popular and delicious fruits, are rich sources of vitamins A, C, B6
and folate in addition to essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron,
phosphorus, magnesium and selenium. Grapes contain flavonoids that are very
powerful antioxidants, which can reduce the damage caused by free radicals and
slow down aging.Grapes, due to their high nutrient content, play an important
role in ensuring a healthy and active life.
Some of the health benefirs of grapes include the following Asthma, Bond
Health, Heart Aiseases, Migrane, Constipation, Indigation, Fatigue, Kidney Disordes, Blood Cholesterol,
Antibacterial Activity, Breast Cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, Macular Degeneration,
Immune System,, Prevention of Cataracts and Cancer prevention Properties. http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-grapes.html
To planting grape
is easy. Locate the vineyard toward the top, not the frost-prone bottom, of the
slope. Run rows north-south so both sides of the vines get sun as the light
shifts from east to west during the day. Vines are best spaced 6 feet apart in
rows 8 feet wide.
Figure on a gallon
of wine per vine each year. Some years will produce a small crop, or you may
lose fruit to birds, insects, hail or rot, so plant extra vines to account for
any shortfall. One way to lay out the vineyard would be to plant six rows of 12
vines, which would give you a vineyard size of 72 feet by 48 feet. But to give
yourself room to turn around at the row ends, make the vineyard at least 80
feet by 54 feet.
