DIOSCOREACEAE (Yam Family)
The Yam family is primarily tropical, but it is represented in the British Isles by a single native species. These plants are climbers, supporting themselves by twinning their stems around other vegetation.
Tamus communis
Black BryonyHeight: Climbs up to 4 metres
Location: Recorded at Beeding Hill
Easily identified by its exceptionally glossy, heart-shaped leaves and red berries in autumn. It lacks the tendrils found on many other climbers, instead winding its entire stem clockwise around its host.
Botanical Distinction:
Black Bryony is completely unrelated to White Bryony (Bryonia
dioica). While they share a similar name and
climbing habit, White Bryony belongs to the Cucumber
family (Cucurbitaceae).