Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Common Forest Grape

This is the tenth in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article will be on the .

The pathways of my yard are completely stained purple from the fruit that has fallen everywhere. Every now and then I take one of the least bruised fruit, wash it and eat it, to the horror of those around me – how could I eat something on the ground that did not come from a supermarket? This mess is though a tribute to how productive the vine of the Common Forest Grape (Rhoicissus tomentosa) is.

ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: The common Mother-of-Pearl butterfly

The plant is indeed a member of the Grape family, and it is certainly possible to make from it jelly or even a wine – a challenge to the local craft vintners! The fruit is tasty and sweet enough, though a bit rough on the tongue. When I look at the thick tangle of vines that cover some trees on the southern slopes of Pigeon Valley it seldom dominates, but when you see its classic vine shape, with its wavy margin and clearly marked veins, it is really a most attractive plant. The new growth is a beautiful pale green outlined by a light brown margin. It would provide an excellent cover for a metal fence.

Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerting management to any problems.

The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.

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