Vitis labrusca

Vitis labrusca is a species of grapevines belonging to the Vitis genus in the Vitaceae family. It is native to the eastern parts of North America and is commonly known as the fox grape due to its strong, foxy odor.

Description

Vitis labrusca is a deciduous vine that can grow up to 15-20 meters high. The leaves are alternate, palmately lobed, and have toothed edges. The flowers are greenish-white and are followed by small, round grapes. The grapes can be black, purple, red, or white, depending on the variety. The skin of the grapes is thick and slips easily off the fruit. This characteristic is known as a "slip skin".

Cultivation and Uses

Vitis labrusca is cultivated for its fruit, which is used to make wine, jelly, and grape juice. The most well-known cultivar is the 'Concord' grape, which is used to make Concord grape juice and Concord grape jelly. Other popular cultivars include 'Catawba', 'Niagara', and 'Delaware'.

Vitis labrusca is resistant to many diseases that affect other grape species, making it a popular choice for cultivation in areas where other grapes do not thrive. However, it is less favored for winemaking due to its strong, foxy flavor.

History

The cultivation of Vitis labrusca dates back to the 19th century when Ephraim Wales Bull developed the 'Concord' grape in 1849. Since then, many other cultivars have been developed, and the species has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia.

See Also

• Vitis vinifera
• Vitis riparia
• Vitis rotundifolia