The vine – vitis vinifera – is not a tree. In the wild it is a climber that uses trees for support. In cultivation it is pruned to be self-supporting or is trained along wires. Its fruit is consumed both fresh and dried (raisins and currants) and as juice. The juice can be processed to make wine, vinegar and brandy. The fruit is also popular with birds, small animals and insects.
The vine and its fruit has been used symbolically to represent abundance and transformation, and has been involved as a feature or worship since ancient times. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the vine often represents the nation of Israel or the people of God.
For there shall be a sowing of peace; the vine shall yield its fruit, the ground shall give its produce, and the skies shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. Zechariah 8:12
We ought to do good to others as simply as a horse runs, or a bee makes honey, or a vine bears grapes season after season without thinking of the grapes it has borne. Marcus Aurelius
The Green Tau 