Black Marseille grape Vitis vinifera 'Noir Hâtif de Marseille' (O/b)

Names

• Synonyms

  Noir Hâtif de Marseille Grape, Early Black of Marseilles.

• Common names

  Vitis vinifera 'Noir Hâtif de Marseille'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant in question is a variety of common grape vine. In general, grapes and their parts are not considered toxic to humans and are widely consumed in various forms, such as fresh fruit, juice, and wine. However, individuals with specific conditions may be advised to limit or avoid grape consumption due to potential interactions or health issues. For instance, the skins of grapes contain resveratrol, which while beneficial in moderation could pose problems at high concentrations, particularly for those with hormone-sensitive conditions. It is also important to note that ingesting large amounts of grape seeds could potentially cause an intestinal blockage, but this is quite rare. The stems and leaves of the grape vine, while not commonly ingested, are also not considered toxic to humans.

• To pets

  The common grape vine is known to be toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats. The exact toxic compound in grapes is still unidentified, but ingestion of any part of the grape plant, particularly the fruit, can lead to rapid onset of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and lack of appetite. In severe cases, acute kidney failure can occur, which can be potentially fatal if not treated promptly. Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can be dangerous to pets, and prompt veterinary attention is required if ingestion is suspected. It is crucial to keep grapes and their products out of reach of pets to prevent such toxic incidents.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Greenish-white

• Height

  15-20 feet (4.5 - 6m)

• Spread

  15-20 feet (4.5 - 6m)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  7-10

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Nutritional Value: 'Noir Hâtif de Marseille' grapes are a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals essential for human health.
• Culinary Versatility: Can be used in various culinary applications, including fresh table grapes, raisins, jams, and wine production.
• Economic Benefit: Grape cultivation can be a profitable agricultural enterprise, contributing to local economies.
• Landscape Value: Offers aesthetic appeal to gardens and vineyards with its lush foliage and attractive fruit clusters.
• Shade Provision: The vine's extensive canopy can create shaded areas outdoors, enhancing comfort and reducing the need for artificial cooling.
• Habitat Support: Supports biodiversity by providing food and shelter for a range of insects and bird species.
• Cultural Significance: Cultivation and consumption have deep cultural and historic roots in many societies, often associated with tradition and heritage.

Medical Properties

• Antioxidant: Grape berries and seeds from Vitis vinifera are rich in polyphenols that have antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Cardiovascular health: Resveratrol and other compounds found in grapes may contribute to the maintenance of heart health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory: The bioactive compounds in grapes have anti-inflammatory effects that may alleviate symptoms of certain inflammatory conditions.
• Antimicrobial: Grape seed extract has been studied for its potential antimicrobial properties against a variety of pathogens.
• Anti-cancer: Research suggests that certain compounds in grapes, like resveratrol, may have anti-cancer properties, though this is not confirmed for treatment use.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Dye Production: The skin of the grapes can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or food coloring, providing a range of purple and blue hues.
• Photography: The tannins found in grapes can be used in the traditional process of making sepia-toned photographs.
• Water Retention Gel: Crushed grape seeds can be processed into a gel-like substance that helps soil retain water, benefiting gardening and agriculture.
• Vinegar Making: Overripe or leftover grapes from this vine can be fermented further to create grape vinegar, an alternative to traditional vinegar.
• Art Supplies: Extracts from the grapes can be mixed with other components to make natural watercolor or ink for artists.
• Craft Material: The vines, after pruning, can be woven into baskets, wreaths, and other decorative items.
• Insect Trap: The sweet juice of the grapes can be used to attract and trap fruit flies and other insects.
• Biodegradable Packing Material: Dried and ground vines can be shaped into eco-friendly packaging peanuts or pads as a cushioning material for shipping goods.
• Natural Sweetener: Dried grapes (raisins) can be used as a natural sweetener in various dishes, providing an alternative to refined sugar.
• Homemade Potpourri: Dried grape leaves and stems, along with other natural ingredients, can be used to create a fragrant potpourri for the home.

Feng Shui

The grapevine is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The grapevine is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Fertility and Abundance: As a grapevine, Vitis vinifera represents fruitfulness and plenty, often associated with the abundant harvest of grapes that yield wine and sustenance.
• Transformation and Celebration: The plant's conversion of grapes into wine symbolizes transformation and the joy of life; wine often accompanies celebrations and significant life events.
• Vitality and Life: The vigor of the grapevine and its deep connection to the earth symbolizes vitality and a life force that is maintained through seasons and cycles of growth.
• Prosperity and Wealth: Grapes have historically been seen as a sign of wealth, as vineyards and winemaking represented economic prosperity and the accumulation of riches.