Question

Examples for stem tendrils and leaf tendrils

Answer 1

Tendrils are skinny, wiry structures along the plant's stem that actually reach around in the air until they come into contact with something they can grab. Once contact is made, the tendril curls, forming a coil that allows the plant to adjust the degree of tension or pull on the support.

There are two kinds of tendrils.

Stem tendrils (which passionflowers and grapes have) are shoots that grow out of the stem.

Leaf tendrils (which peas have) look very similar, but the tendrils are actually modified leaves that emerge from a leaf node.

Examples are:

Stem tendrils:

• Passionflower (Passiflora)
• Grape (Vitis)
• Ampelopsis glandulosa

Leaf tendrils:

• Sweet peas (Lathyrus)
• Cobaea scandens
• Chilean glory flower (Eccremocarpus scaber)