Background: Recent discoveries estimate a history of human use of the Vitis vinifera plant of more than 6500 years. References to grapes are numerous. They are included in the writings of Homer (700 BC), and in the Bible. Egyptian tombs bear artful representations of the fruit. One of the most widely grown fruit crops, it is native to Asia near the Caspian Sea, introduced to North America in the 17th century.
Description: Native to southern Europe and western Asia, grapes are cultivated in warm temperate regions throughout the world mainly for their fruit. It is a deciduous climber with erect rambling stems, tendrils, palm shaped leaves, and clusters of small pale green flowers. The green, red, or purple fruits are presented in dangling bunches. Established grape plants can tolerate environments where the temperature dips to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
