Parthenocissus
 
By Yoo, So-Young
 

Introduction

    This home page is an introductory work on the natural history and ecology of a local taxon named Parthenocissus. Genus Parthenocissus is in family vitaceae(vine family). You will see the hierarchy of this local taxon and its lower taxon through surfing the link in the following content.

Description

    "Calyx slightly 5-toothed. Petals concave, thick, expanding before they fall. Disk none. -- N. Am. and Asiatic woody climbers, with digitate or palmately lobed leaves; leaflets 3-7, rather coarsely serrate, or blade cordate and merely lobed. Inflorescence cymosely compound. Ten-drils branched, their tips twining or affixing themselves by enlarged terminal adhesive disks."3 

Species List2 

Identification Guide

    Parthenocissus. quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper)3 

    Pathenocissus. tricuspidata (Japaneses Creeper)1  General Information

    Garden and Landscape Uses and cultivation. -- "These vines are esteened for their attractive foliage and splendid fall colors as well as for their self-clingin propensities, which enable them to cover vast surfaces of masonry and tall tree trunks without special aid. the small-foliaged varieties of Boston-ivy and Virginia creeper provide more refined patterns of foliage than larger leaved types and are less vigorous. Because of this they are better adapted for use where space is limited. Of the kinds discussed, Boston-ivy and Virginia creeper are especially well suited for city gardens and succeed in sun or part-shade. Virginia creeper is excellent near the sea. To give of its best, Parthenocissus henryana needs light shade. These vines succeed in any ordinary soil. Once espablished they need practically no attention other than any cutting back necessary to keep them from choking gutters, covering windows, or other such extravagancies of growth. They are easily incresed by cuttings, by layering, and by seed. Before sowing, the seed should be freed from their surrounding pulp and placed, mixed with slightly damp sand or vermiculite, in plyethylene plastic and stored at 40°F for three months."1 

    Pests and Diseases -- "Japaneses beetles and certain cterpillars are very fond of the foliage fo Boston-ivy, Virginia creeper, and probably other kind. Leaf spot and mildew diseases sometimes mar the foliage."1 



Bibliography
  1. Everett, Thomas H. The New York Botanical Garden Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horticulture. Garland Publishing, Inc. New York & London.
  2. Edited by Hexley, Anthony and Griffiths, Mark. 1992. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. The Macmillan Press, London. pp. 477-8
  3. Fernald, M. L. 1950. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Company. N.Y. pp. 995.
  4. Odenwald, Neil G. 1996. Plants for American Landscapes. Louisiana State University Press. pp.167