Vitis rotundifolia

Vitis rotundifolia, also known as the muscadine, is a grapevine species native to the southeastern and south-central United States from Florida to Delaware, west to eastern Texas and Oklahoma. It has been extensively cultivated since the 16th century. The plants are well adapted to their native warm and humid climate; they need fewer chilling hours than better known varieties and they thrive on summer heat.

Description

Vitis rotundifolia grapes are recognized for their thick, protective skin and numerous seeds. The vine tends to grow in a bushy habit rather than forming a true climbing vine. The leaves are glossy, with a toothed edge and a heart-shaped base. They are typically 5–20 cm long and broad.

Cultivation

The cultivation of Vitis rotundifolia is often found in the southern United States, where it is well adapted to the warm climate. The vines are resistant to diseases that affect many other grape varieties, such as grape phylloxera. They are also resistant to many of the fungal diseases that affect other species of grapes.

Uses

The fruit of the Vitis rotundifolia is used for a variety of purposes. The grapes can be eaten fresh, or used for making wine, juice, and jelly. The grapes are also used in the production of muscadine wine, which is a popular product in the southern United States.

Varieties

There are many varieties of Vitis rotundifolia, including the bronze 'Carlos' and 'Magnolia', as well as the black 'Noble' and 'Cowart'. The variety known as 'Scuppernong' is a bronze-skinned variety of Vitis rotundifolia and is the state fruit of North Carolina.

See also

• Vitis
• Grape
• Viticulture
• Muscadine wine

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  Vitis rotundifolia

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  North Carolina muscadine grapes

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  Muscadines and Scuppernongs

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  Wild muscadine