Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - September 01, 2011
From: Norfolk, VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Plant Identification, Vines
Title: Plant identification of vine in Virginia
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Have vine that has small 3 pointed leaves somewhat like a grape but only an inch or 2 long. Adult fruit is black or purple egg shaped and only 3/4 of an inch long. Fruit is single in the middle of the vine not bunched like a grape. Also has small yellow flowers.ANSWER:
The description of your plant sounds like Melothria pendula (Guadeloupe cucumber). The fruit turns black as it becomes mature and is mildly toxic. Here is another description of the plant from Wildflowers of the Southeastern U. S. and lots more photos from Southeastern Flora.
If this doesn't sound like your plant and you have photos of it, you might want to visit our Plant Identification page to find links to several plant identification forums that accept photos for identification.
You can also search for Virginia native vines yourself in our Native Plant Database. Under COMBINATION SEARCH select 'Virginia' under Select State or Province and 'Vine' under Habit (general appearance). You can also make selections under other categories if they are appropriate.
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Identification Questions
Wildflowers that grow in woodlands
June 22, 2011 - Please tell me the names of wildflowers that grow under your oak trees in Texas. I am only familiar with those open meadow plants, not those that live under the deciduous trees. Thank you for your t...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification
November 04, 2010 - I am trying to figure out what this plant is..It has light feathery leaves like dill. It is an annual in the midwest. Height 5-6 feet tall. Stalk is about 3 inches wide with branches that are 2 feet l...
view the full question and answer
Houseplant identification
October 15, 2014 - Had a houseplant with leaves that were green on the top and purplish on the bottom. The leaves were velvety to the touch. Would like to know what it was.
view the full question and answer
Instructions for pictures from Red Bud IL
January 29, 2012 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I followed your instructions on how to submit pictures for you to identify
"If you would like to know what the plant is that came up, Mr. Smarty Plants loves to identify plan...
view the full question and answer
Plant Identification in Montfort WI
June 15, 2010 - There is a small orange flower plant that grows wild along highways and in uncut yards in northwest Wisconsin--We are visiting in Siren, WI and have tried to dig some up and take home to SW WI. They d...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |