Menispermum L. (1753) consists of around 4 species of climbing shrubs in the family Menispermaceae. Menispermum canadense L., the Canada moonseed or yellow perilla, is the most common species. Description Climbing shrubs to 6m, with twining stems. The leaves are variable in shape on the same plant, unlobed or with 3–7 lobes, usually wider than they are long. The flowers are small and white, in branched bunches, males and females on separate plants. The sepals are 4–8 in 2 rows, the petals 6–8, shorter than the sepals; the ovary has 2–4 styles. Pollination is presumed to be by insects. The stamens are 12–24, with 4-celled anthers. The fruits are black, with unusual, spirally curved seeds. Key Recognition Features Unusually shaped leaves and small fruits with spiral seeds.
Evolution and Relationships The Menispermaceae is a large, mainly tropical family, close to the Lardizabalaceae, but that family has mainly compound leaves and larger seeds with much endosperm. Other genera in eastern North America are Cocculus DC, the Carolina moonseed, and Calyocarpum Nutt., the cup-seed. Sinomenium Diels is a similar, hardy genus from China and Japan. All 3 are climbers with small, green flowers and red or black berries. Ecology and Geography Growing in woods and along streams in eastern North America from Quebec and Manitoba to Georgia, and
in eastern Asia. Comment An unusual climber, sometimes grown for its attractive leaves. The roots have been used medicinally. The plant illustrated is: Menispermum canadense L. Yellow Parilla. Z5. |
