Artabotrys, commonly known as the tail grape, is a genus of about 110 climbing shrubs and small trees in the custard apple family (Annonaceae), order Magnoliales. The genus was described by Robert Brown and published in the Botanical Register in 1820. Its roughly 110 accepted species are distributed across the Old World tropics, with the greatest diversity in Africa (around 31 species) and in South and Southeast Asia, from the Indian subcontinent and southern China through Borneo and Cambodia.
All members of the genus share a distinctive climbing habit, using hook-like modified flower peduncles to grip support structures. The leaves are simple, alternate, and hairless. Flowers are bisexual, borne singly or in small clusters opposite the leaves; each flower has six petals and is notably fragrant. The fruits are fleshy and clustered. Several species are cultivated as ornamental climbers for their strongly scented flowers.
Etymology
The genus name Artabotrys derives from Greek artaô (to suspend or hang) and botrys (a bunch of grapes), referring to the clustered, grape-like fruits borne on the plant's hook-tipped peduncles. The common name "tail grape" reflects the same feature.
Distribution
Artabotrys occurs throughout the Old World tropics. Approximately 31 species are native to sub-Saharan Africa, with additional diversity across South Asia (Assam, Bangladesh, East Himalaya), China (south-central and southeastern provinces), and Southeast Asia (Borneo, Cambodia, and adjacent regions). The genus has been introduced outside its native range in some tropical areas.
Cultivation
Artabotrys can be propagated from fresh seeds or from short, half-hardened stem cuttings taken in spring. Several species are grown as ornamental climbers in tropical and subtropical gardens for their strongly scented flowers.
