Menispermum (moonseed) is a small genus of deciduous climbing woody vines in the moonseed family (Menispermaceae). Plants in this genus have small dioecious flowers, and clusters of small grape-like drupes. The name, moonseed, comes from the shape of the seed, which resembles a crescent moon. The word Menispermum is derived from the Greek words μένε (mene), meaning ( crescent ) moon, and ςπέρμα (sperma) meaning seed. The common name moonseed is also applied to some other species in the related genus ...