Creeper, scientific name Hedera helix, is a common climbing plant with a strong ability to climb. The climbing mechanism is a complex process closely related to physiological structure, biochemistry and environmental factors. Here's a detailed explanation of how creepers climb:
Growth of fibrous roots:Creepers have fibrous roots, which are one of the key structures for their climbing. Fibrous roots usually grow from the nodes of the stem and have a strong attachment capacity. Attachment Surface:The fiber roots have a sucker-like structure that adheres tightly to vertical or sloping surfaces, including walls, tree trunks, etc.
2.Release of chemicals:
Adhesive substances:The creeper's fibrous roots release a substance called tannin, which allows the fibrous roots to adhere more tightly to the support, increasing grip. Adhesion:The presence of gum improves the adhesion of fibrous roots, allowing creepers to better cling to vertical or sloping surfaces.
3.Active at the point of growth:
Apical growth point:Creepers have a growing point at the end of their stem, which not only grows rapidly in length, but also emits fibrous roots to the surrounding area, further increasing their climbing ability. Side growth point:Creepers also have growth points on the sides of their stems, which are capable of generating new stems and fibrous roots, giving the plant a clumped climbing structure.
4.Phototropic behavior:
Growing towards the light:Creepers exhibit phototropism, i.e., they tend to grow towards a light source. This growth characteristic helps it find more sunlight and provides better conditions for photosynthesis.
5.Gravity sensing:
Gravity-induced growth:Creepers are sensitive to gravity during their growth and are able to adjust their growth direction according to the direction of gravity to better cling and climbing.
6.Counterclockwise spiral growth:
Spiral growth direction:The creeper's stem grows in a counterclockwise spiral, which allows it to better cling to the surface of the support while maintaining good stability.
7.Complex climbing structure:
Formation of climbing structure:Creepers form complex climbing structures through the adjustment of fibrous roots, growth points, and growth directions, allowing them to cling to supports of various shapes and surfaces.
8.Environmental Adaptability:
Adaptation to different environments:Creepers are adaptable to the environment, being able to climb trees in forests and buildings in urban environments.
Overall, the climbing mechanism of creeper is a highly complex and multi-layered biological process, including the formation of fibrous roots, the release of gums, the active growth points at the stem end and side, and the interaction of phototropic behavior. Together, these mechanisms make the creeper an excellent climbing plant.