The tendril’s two-way coil

Tendril movement

How does a climbing plant find a hold? Cooke follows the tendril from searching tip to secured coil. 🌿

Tendril movement

As the growing tip sweeps, the tendril, stem, or leaf stalk turns, bringing it within reach of something to grasp. Cooke notes that motion and speed vary. 🌱

Tendril movement

A hold need not be a wrap: Cooke records winding, clasping, hooking, entering a crack, and, in Bignonia capreolata, adhesive discs. 🌿

Tendril movement

With its tip fixed, the tendril coils one way, then reverses. Cooke’s explanation: the change relieves twisting strain. 🌿

The tendril’s two-way coil

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