Our native Black Bryony, formerly Tamus communis, is now placed in Dioscorea (D. communis) and is the only member of its family native to northern Europe. The White Bryony, Bryonia dioica, is likewise the only northern European cucurbit, and I've always thought it interesting that two unrelated plants should have this peculiarity and share a common name. As Mark Brown says, D. communis can be rather weedy, and persistent, but the wreaths of red berries persisting into the winter on female plants make it very attractive for a hedge or rough shrubbery. I rather regret the loss of the name Tamus because - simple things please simple minds - I always think of the black lady (only ever visible as feet) in Tom and Jerry cartoons, shouting 'Ta-mus, Ta-mus'.... John Grimshaw Visit John Grimshaw's Garden Diary http://johngrimshawsgardendiary.blogspot.com/ Dr. John M. Grimshaw Sycamore Cottage Colesbourne Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NP Tel. 01242 870567