If you watch how the tendrils develop over time, their amazing structural support gets even cooler. By adding those opposite twists, the tendrils are able to flex a lot, providing enough movement to keep them from breaking under stress. As big gusts of wind cause the plant to thrash to and fro or a heavy limb comes crashing down from above, a straight tendril would be far more likely to break under the strain. If the tendrils did not curl, the plant would be anchored in place with very little wiggle room. The curling of the tendrils is extremely important when it comes to structural support.

However, the story is much more interesting than simply anchoring the plants in place. This is because the layer of cells on the band that shrinks is different whether you are near the tip or near the base of the tendril.ДЄs many of you reading this are already well aware, the tendrils help to secure the plants as they climb. Take a close look at the tendrils on a cucumber or squash vine and you will notice that each tendril curls in two different directions, separated by a kink or вЂњperversionвЂќ (as it is known in the literature) in the middle. Oddly enough, this doesnвЂ™t happen in the same direction. This creates tension along the length of the tendril, causing it to bend. Meanwhile, the other layer of cells becomes increasingly stiff and lignified. One layer of cells will immediately begin to expel water, causing them to contract. Once the signal that the tendril has touched an object has been received, these bands swing into action. The key to this behavior lies in a two-layered band of specialized cells that run the length of the tendril.

As soon as the cells within the tendril sense contact with a surface, the signal is sent to begin curling. We have known that the initial curling of the tendril is induced by touch. Do a web search for cucumber tendrils and you will find countless pictures and blogs showcasing this wonderful anatomical habit.Дespite all the attention, the mechanisms behind this behavior have largely remained a mystery until quite recently. I donвЂ™t doubt it amused the indigenous cultures that first began cultivating them for food and that amusement continues till this day. This phenomenon has fascinated people for centuries. Within only a few minutes of touching a surface, individual tendrils will begin to wind themselves around it. We are currently growing a handful of species and cultivars and I get a great deal of enjoyment out of watching them grow up the trellis we have provided.ДЄs they climb, cucurbits send out long, thin tendrils (which are actually modified stems) that grab on and wind around any surface they touch. Of course, there are few better ways to get to know plants than by growing them in and around your home and, at least at our place, this summer will go down in history as the summer of the gourd. From their ambling/climbing habit and often delicious fruits to their beautiful flowers and intimate relationships with a few native bees, this family has a lot to offer. IвЂ™ve grown to really appreciate cucurbits (family Cucurbitaceae) in recent years.

Finicky corpse flower