出典:Wikipedia
出典:『Wikipedia』 (2011/07/10 03:42 UTC 版)
Vitis vulpina (commonly known as frost grape, winter grape or fox grape) is a herbaceous perennial vine of the family Vitaceae (Grape). The genus name Vitis comes from the Latin word for "vine" and the species name vulpina comes from the Latin word for "fox-like" or belonging to a fox. It is believed that foxes were attracted to this type of grapevine and Linnaeus used the term vulpina to differentiate these smaller wild grapes from the other American known grapes. The more common name, frost grape, refers to the fact that this otherwise acidic/tart-tasting grape becomes more desirable and sweet once it is exposed to a frost. The frost grape is found in much of the eastern half of the United States from New York to Minnesota. Traditionally V. vulpina is a high-climbing woody vine with a thick trunk and red tendrils. The grapes and the vine itself have many uses ranging from herbal remedies to edible delicacies.