Tendrillike

Tendrillike describes structures in some plants that resemble and function like true tendrils, slender, coiling organs that help a plant grasp supports. Tendrils may be modified leaves, leaflets, petioles, stems, or even inflorescences. They are typically thin and flexible, reaching out to touch a nearby object and curling around it when contact occurs.

Upon contact or slow contact, tendrils exhibit thigmotropism and fast differential growth that causes them to coil around supports. This action may involve circumnutation prior to contact and rapid coiling afterward. The control of growth is influenced by hormones such as auxin and the mechanical properties of the cell walls.

Tendrillike adaptations enable climbing plants to ascend toward light without investing heavily in thick supportive tissue. By attaching to fences, posts, or other vegetation, they can reach higher light environments and reduce competition.

Examples include peas (Pisum sativum) which use leaf tendrils, grapevines (Vitis species) with tendrils opposite leaves, cucurbits such as cucumber and melon with tendrils from leaf axils, and passionflowers (Passiflora species) with terminal tendrils. Some plants have tendrils derived from stems or stipules rather than leaves, illustrating the morphological diversity of tendrillike structures.

While tendrillike structures share function with true tendrils, they may differ in origin and anatomical composition. The term emphasizes form and ecological role rather than a single developmental pathway.

See also: Tendril, Climbing plant, Thigmotropism, Circumnutation.