Charchare
Parthenocissus himalayana

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A climber to 18 m long. The plant climbs by tendrils which attach to objects. The fruit is about 6 mm across and is carried in small bunches like grapes.

There are about 10 Parthenocissus species.

Where it is found

It occurs naturally climbing over rocks between 1200-3300 metres altitude in Western China. It requires a well drained moist soil. It needs a fertile soil and can grow in sunlight of light shade. Young plants are damaged by frosts. Fruiting occurs after a long hot summer.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Stored seed needs cold treatment by being stored at 5°C for 6 weeks. Cuttings of half ripe wood can be used. They should be 7-10 cm long. They can also be grown from basal hardwood cuttings and by layering. The plants make a good ground cover when spaced about 3 m apart.

In Sikkim fruit are available in September.

Its other names

Local names

Chappar tang, Hlotagbret, Kandur, Laderi, Philuna, Phlankar, Thulu charchare lahara, Zemaro

Synonyms

Vitis himalayana Brandis; Psedera himalayana;