Native grape, Slender grape
Cayratia clematidea

Family: Vitaceae

What it is like

A slender climber. It grows 3-5 m tall. The roots have tubers 2-3 cm across. The leaves are compound with 5 leaflets. They are oval and light green. They are about 5 cm long. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are greenish and small. They occur in dense clusters. The fruit are black berries. They are round and 0.5 cm across.

There are about 45 Cayratia species. They are mainly in tropical areas.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in Queensland and New South Wales in Australia, in moist sheltered places. It grows best with shade and moisture.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The berries are eaten. They can irritate the throat if too many are eaten. The root tubers are eaten after roasting.

Edible parts

Tuber, fruit, root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed or cuttings.

It is a fast growing plant.

Its other names

Local names

Bibu, Mor-bir, Mugiyala, Tangle vine

Synonyms

Cissus clematidea (F. Muell.) Planch.; Vitis clematidea F. Muell.;