Menispermaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Twining, woody or semi-woody vines (occasionally erect shrubs)
• Alternate , simple, palmately veined leaves, often peltate or nearly so
• Small, unisexual flowers ( dioecious ); 3-merous perianth
• Fruit a drupe with a distinctive crescent-shaped or horseshoe-shaped endocarp (stone) — the defining feature
• Many species contain toxic isoquinoline alkaloids

Notable Genera

• Menispermum (moonseed)
• Cocculus (coralbeads)
• Tinospora (guduchi)
• Cissampelos

Notes

Mostly tropical, with few temperate representatives. Named for the crescent- or moon-shaped seeds that are the family's most distinctive feature. Several species are sources of curare arrow poison and traditional medicines. The North American Menispermum canadense is a dangerous grape mimic due to its similar-looking but toxic fruits.