Vines

Vines are plants characterized by long, flexible stems that enable them to grow upward or along supports. They can be herbaceous (short-lived) or woody climbers (lianas) and may complete their life cycle in one growing season or persist for many years.

Vines reach light by attaching to structures or other plants. They employ several climbing strategies: twining stems that spiral around supports; tendrils that coil or hook; adhesive roots or pads that grip surfaces; and scrambling growth that uses neighboring vegetation for support without specialized climbing organs.

Ecology and habitat: Vines occur worldwide, from temperate to tropical regions. They provide vertical structure, microhabitats, and food for pollinators and fruit-eaters. Some are cultivated as ornamentals, others for fruit or medicinal uses. In forests, woody vines can influence light availability and tree dynamics.

Common examples include grapevines (Vitis spp.), ornamental climbers such as wisteria and clematis, ivy (Hedera spp.), passionflowers (Passiflora spp.), morning glory (Ipomoea spp.), and climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala). In tropical ecosystems, many woody vines contribute to forest structure and dynamics by connecting trees and facilitating movement through the canopy.

Management and issues: While beneficial in horticulture and landscape design, some vines are considered invasive outside their native ranges, such as Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and kudzu (Pueraria montana), which can suppress native vegetation. Control methods include physical removal, pruning, and, where appropriate, limited use of herbicides. Cultivation decisions should consider regional ecology and potential spread.