Question

Vitaceae - description of each plant, including flower, leaf stem, fruit. What is the difference between these two plants? Parthenocissus inserta - Thicket creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia - Virginia creeper

Answer 1

Plant Family
Grape (Vitaceae)

Scientific Name
Parthenocissus quinquefolia & Parthenocissus vitacea

Common Name
Virginia Creeper & Grape Woodbine

To differentiate, P. vitacea, commonly referred to today as "Woodbine" should be called 'Grape Woodbine' and  P. quinquefolia referred to as 'Virginia Creeper'.

The genus name Parthenocissus, is derived from two Greek words - parthenos, referring to 'virgin' and kissos, referring to 'ivy' and also called as the virgin queen of England (after whom the state of Virginia was named) and it becoming common name of Virginia Creeper. "Quinquefolia" is derived from Latin for five leaves, referring to the 5 leaflets of the leaf. "Vitacea" is also derived from the Latin for vine-like. Older names for P. quinquefolia are P. inserta, and Psedera quinquefolia.

Flowers are little, 1/4 inch across with five stamens with yellow anthers extending on the far side the five yellowish-green crooked petals that have a triangular form. Sepals are absent or not noticeable. flower production is less in shades but the foliage is looked good in both plants, color may be reduced.

Leaves: Both have alternate palmately divided leaves with five coarsely toothed leaflets divergent from a typical purpose, with long grooved leaf stalks. The leaflets have pointed tips and wedge formed bases. Those of P. quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper) are dull green on top and those of P. vitacea are shiny.

Stem: Both species square measure perennial woody vines that climb. P. quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) climbs via many-branching tendrils that have adhesive disks at the ends. It will reach to sixty feet. Stems are green when young turning into dark brown and rough with age. As a plant structure (tendrils) touches a little of brick, stone or alternative solid surface, every knob flattens and becomes a gluey disk that adheres to the surface. For such a tiny low disk, the attachment is robust and solid, requiring some force to get rid of it. P. vitacea (Grape Woodbine) climbs by tendrils that have few branches, twining tips and no adhesive disks at the ends. It will reach thirty feet. Stems are green and it turning into brown when it becoming young with the age. Tendrils of each emerge opposite the leaves.

Fruit: Flowers mature to a bluish-black berry resembling a small wild grape, that contains one to four seeds; light brown from P. vitacea (Grape Woodbine) and dark brown from P. quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper); fruits hang on reddish stalks. Both will grow in lightly shaded areas but more often in full sun, and the leaves of both have a nice red fall color.