Bear grape facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear grape |
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| Bear grape at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Brevard County, Florida | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Vitis
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| Species: |
shuttleworthii
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| Synonyms | |
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Vitis coriacea Shuttlew. ex Planch. (1887) not Michx. (1803) |
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The Bear grape (scientific name: Vitis shuttleworthii) is a type of woody vine. These vines are also known as lianas. It belongs to the grape family. People sometimes call it the calloose grape or calusa grape.
This name comes from the Calusa people. They were a group of Native Americans. They used to live in southwest Florida. The Bear grape grows naturally in south and central Florida. You can also find small groups of these plants in southern Alabama.
How the Bear Grape Got its Name
Scientists first wrote about this plant in 1887. They first named it Vitis coriacea. But that name was already used for a different plant. That other plant came from Asia.
So, the scientists had to give the American plant a new name. That is why it is now called Vitis shuttleworthii.
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