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Cretan bryony
Scientific Name: Bryonia cretica
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Bryonia cretica and Bryonia dioica: The Cretan Bryonies
Cretan bryony is a common name that can refer to several plants, most notably Bryonia cretica L. and Bryonia dioica Jacq.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Synonyms: B. cretica dioica (Jacq.) Tutin, B. cretica subsp. cretica (for Bryonia cretica)
Common Names
- Cretan bryony
- Red Bryony (specifically for Bryonia dioica)
- White Bryony
Distribution and Habitat
- Frequently observed throughout Crete.
Morphological Characteristics
- Bryonia cretica has a thick, fleshy white root.
- It has large, lobed leaves.
- It produces pale yellow flowers arranged in clusters in the leaf axils.
- It is a perennial climbing plant.
Note: Some sources suggest growing Cretan Bryony in the garden, implying it's a rustic plant that can enjoy a good amount of light.
Ecological Role
- It can be seen climbing around the trunks of old olive trees.
USDA PLANTS Symbol: BRDI5 (for Bryonia dioica)
U.S. Nativity: Exotic
Grown Habit: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Italian name: Brionia comune (Bryonia dioica)
Common name U.S. name: Cretan bryony (Bryonia dioica)
Related species Bryonia dioica, nueza, cretan bryony, calabacn de zorra
Synonyms text - Bryonia dioica
Natural History Museum of Crete: University of Crete, Knossou Ave., P.O. Box 2208, 71409
NOTE: All parts of this plant are known hazards.