Family: Vitaceae
Author: Buckley
Bibliography: Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 13: 451 (1861 publ. 1862)
Year: 1862
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Vitis
Vegetable: False
Observations: Oklahoma to Alabama and Mexico (Tamaulipas)
Description
The Mustang grape, scientifically known as Vitis mustangensis, is a vigorous species of wild grape native to the south-central United States and parts of northern Mexico. This robust plant flourishes across a diverse range, being observed from the expanses of Oklahoma to the rich soils of Alabama, and extending its reach into Mexico’s Tamaulipas region.
Characterized by its hardy nature, the Mustang grape is a member of the Vitaceae family, renowned for their significance in viticulture and horticulture. The species was first formally described in an 1861 publication in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia by Buckley, offering a foundation for the scientific understanding and classification of this distinctive grapevine.
Vitis mustangensis thrives in a variety of habitats, often found clambering over fences, trees, and structures with its tenacious and expansive growth. The leaves of the Mustang grape are notably lobed and covered with a dense, silvery pubescence on their undersides, a feature that distinguishes them from other species within the Vitis genus. In addition to their foliage, these grapevines produce clusters of small, dark purple to almost black grapes, which, while not typically palatable in their raw form due to their high acidity and astringent taste, hold significant value in the production of jellies, wines, and other culinary applications.
Ecologically, the Mustang grape plays a crucial role in its native environments. The dense foliage provides shelter and habitat for various bird species, while the fruits serve as a food resource for wildlife. Additionally, this species is often employed in soil erosion control and as a hardy rootstock in viticulture due to its resistance to pests and diseases that commonly afflict more cultivated grape varieties.
In summary, Vitis mustangensis, or Mustang grape, stands as a testament to the diversity and resilience of wild grape species, offering both ecological benefits and potential applications in agriculture and horticulture. Whether climbing through forests or adorning rural landscapes, the Mustang grape represents a significant botanical entity within its extensive range.
For further detailed study, interested individuals may refer to the original description found in the 1861 Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, authored by Buckley, which remains an authoritative source on this species.
Common Names
Eng: mustang grape
En: Mustang grape
Synonyms
- Vitis mustangensis var. diversa ((L.H.Bailey) Shinners)
- Vitis candicans var. diversa (L.H.Bailey)
- Vitis vinifera var. candicans ((Engelm. ex A.Gray) Kuntze)
- Vitis candicans (Engelm. ex A.Gray)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Texas (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Apr 5, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2022 by michelle oler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 5, 2020 by Irene Almanza (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2021 by peuter collin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2019 by Lee Zachary (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Sean R (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2022 by Rebecca L (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2015 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 5, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jun 1, 2014 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 16, 2015 by EOL − notana (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 27, 2014 by EOL − Lee Ann Linam Science Labs (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 5, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 30, 2016 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 29, 2016 by EOL − Carolyn Gritzmaker (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 8, 2015 by EOL − Aaron Reed (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 16, 2019 by Vidhya Sundar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2022 by Alana Delia (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 20, 2018 by Lisa J (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 7, 2020 by Bre Bitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2016 by EOL − Abigail Miller (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 25, 2014 by EOL − Julia Gregory (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5372381)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:301116-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vitis mustangensis Buckley)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine