Green grapes, like all grapes, do not grow on trees. Grapes are the fruit of a plant scientifically classified in the genus Vitis, which is a type of woody, perennial vine. This climbing plant is fundamentally different from a tree in its physical structure and inability to support itself upright without external aid. The plant’s classification as a vine dictates its sprawling growth habit, which growers must manage to produce fruit.
The Anatomy of the Grape Vine
The botanical classification of the grape plant, Vitis, places it firmly within the category of a vine. While the lower portion of an established grapevine, known as the trunk, becomes woody and permanent, it lacks the strong, self-supporting timber structure of a true tree trunk. Instead of a single, thick, upright stem, the grapevine produces flexible, semi-woody shoots called canes that grow long distances.
The distinguishing feature of the grapevine is the tendril, a slender, coiling structure that emerges opposite the leaves on the shoot. These specialized organs are the vine’s mechanism for climbing, allowing it to twist and wrap around anything it touches to seek sunlight and elevation. Without support, the plant would sprawl across the ground, which is why the naturally weak structure of the vine necessitates external assistance for successful cultivation. Both green grapes, such as Thompson Seedless, and purple varieties, like Concord, share this vine structure.
Essential Support Systems for Cultivation
Grapevines are cultivated using specific agricultural practices to manage their sprawling nature and maximize fruit quality. These practices involve engineered support systems to elevate the canopy and control the plant’s growth. The most common system is the trellis, a permanent framework typically constructed from posts and high-tensile wire.
The trellis is a tool for canopy management, which is the balance of foliage and fruit. By training the vine along the wires, growers ensure that the leaves and developing clusters receive optimal sun exposure, which is necessary for the grapes to ripen and develop sugars. Furthermore, keeping the vine elevated and organized improves air circulation throughout the foliage, which is a factor in reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Other systems, like arbors, also serve this same purpose of organizing the vine for easier harvesting and maintenance.