||This genus of 11 evergreen and deciduous species includes climbers, shrubs and small trees. They are found in warm-temperate regions of Asia, Africa and North America and are most notable for their fruits, which are small but usually very colorful drupes. The leaves are ovate to heart-shaped, often with small lobes and pronounced veins, and are more of a feature than the inconspicuous panicles of small, cream to yellow-green, separate male and female flowers.
||CULTIVATION: The species vary in frost hardiness and seldom tolerate prolonged drought but are otherwise easily grown in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Prune in winter after the fruit has fallen or, if winter damage is likely, cut back in spring. Propagate from seed, layers or half-hardened cuttings taken in summer or autumn.