In botany, a tendril is a specialized stem, leaf or petiole with a thread-like shape used by climbing plants for support and attachment, as well as cellular invasion by parasitic plants such as Cuscuta. [1]

This kind of adaptation helps plants to conserve very limited supply of water and resist desiccation (drying up). 2. Leaf Tendrils: In weak- stemmed plants, leaf or a part of leaf gets modified into green thread­like structures called tendrils which help in climbing around the support.

Identify common leaf modifications and their functions, including storage leaves, succulent leaves, spines, tendrils, phyllodes, showy bracts, plantlets, and insect traps. The structure and function of a leaf can be modified over the course of evolution as a plant adapts to a particular environment (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)).

Dec 13, 2024 · In botany, tendrils are slender, whip-like or thread-like structures that certain plants produce to help them climb or support themselves. They are specialised organs that aid in the attachment and climbing of plants, enabling them to reach for sunlight, secure support or access resources.

Oct 19, 2023 · Climbing plants have a unique organ that makes them outrank other plants in terms of “habitat choice”. Quite simply, they are in possession of tendrils. Tendrils are slender yet robust threadlike strands that grow from the stem or leaves of a plant.

tendril, in botany, plant organ specialized to anchor and support vining stems. Tendrils may be modified leaves, leaflets, leaf tips, or leaf stipules; they may, however, be derived as modified stem branches (e.g., grapes).

Initially, tendrils develop water-secreting openings called hydathodes at their tips. Subsequently, the hydathodes degenerate and pressure-sensitive cells develop along the tendril. On contact with solid objects, the pressure-sensitive cells activate the elongation and growth of cells on the opposite side of the tendril.

Jun 23, 2017 · Plant stems grow up in response to gravity (gravitropism), plant surfaces turn to face the Sun (phototropism), roots grow toward water sources (hydrotropism), and plant tendrils respond to physical touch (thigmotropism).

Feb 14, 2025 · Tendrils and hooks are the most common of these modifications. In the flame lily (Gloriosa superba; Colchicaceae), the leaf tip of the blade elongates into a tendril and twines around other plants for support. In the garden pea (Pisum sativum; Fabaceae), the terminal leaflet of the compound leaf develops as a tendril.

Watering: Petioles need to be kept hydrated in order to function properly. Watering should be done regularly, and the amount of water given should be adjusted based on the plant’s size and the climate. Fertilizing: Petioles can benefit from fertilization, which can help to improve their health and function.