Grapevine (noun)

1. A climbing vine that bears grapes.
2. A system of unofficial communication or information exchange, as in a company or organization.

Origin:

From the resemblance of the plant's climbing tendrils to those of a grape vine.

Examples:

1. The grapevine produced a bountiful harvest of grapes this year.
2. He heard about the job through the grapevine.
3. Grapevines are trained to grow on trellises.
4. The grapevine is an important plant in wine making.
5. The grapevine is a useful tool for getting information that is not officially released.