How to Identify Stem Tendrils and Leaf Tendrils in Plants
Have you ever seen a slender, thread-like structure on a pea or grape plant? Do you know what those structures are and what is their function? How were these structures formed?
These are known as tendrils and they are the modification of stems and leaves. To know more about tendrils continue reading.
What are Tendrils?
Tendrils are common modifications of plant parts such as leaf, stem, and petiole.
A tendril is a slender,thread-like structure that is specialized to provide support and anchor. Tendrils are commonly green in color and perform the function of photosynthesis. Tendrils do not grow vertically, they grow around a particular support, surrounding that support, and increase in height.
Stem Tendril
Modification of branches or any stem parts makes the stem tendrils. Stem tendrils are commonly found in bitter gourd, grapevine, and bottle gourd. On stems or branches, buds are present which may be terminal or axillary. Stem tendrils are derived from axillary buds. Scale leaves may be present on the stem tendrils and stem tendrils may be branched or unbranched.
Types of Stem Tendrils and Their Examples
There are various types of stem tendrils based on their origin. Some of the types are given below-
Axillary - These stem tendrils are derived from the axillary bud. Eg. Passiflora
Apical- These stem tendrils are derived from the apical bud. Eg grapevine
Extra Axillary Stem Tendril - These stem tendrils are derived from the other parts of the stem or nodes of the leaf base. Eg. Luffa
Floral Bud - These stem tendrils are derived from the floral buds. Eg. Antigonon.
Leaf Tendril
Leaf tendrils are the modifications of the leaf. It is a special plant organ that requires support to grow and encircle the support for further growth. Leaf tendrils help the plant to grow and also establish the plant during high winds.
The leaf axis terminates into leaf tendrils in some plants such as vicia and sweet peas.
Types of Leaf Tendrils and Their Examples
There are various types of leaf tendrils based on which part they develop.
Whole Leaf Tendrils - In this type of tendril, the whole leaf is developed into a tendril. Eg. Lathyrus aphasia
Stipular Tendrils - These tendrils derive from adnate stipules. Eg. Smilax.
Leaflet Tendrils - In this upper leaflet is converted into a tendril. Eg. Sweet pea and edible pea.
The Similarity Between Leaf Tendrils and Stem Tendrils
There are many differences as well as similarities between leaf tendrils and stem tendrils. Some of the similarities between leaf tendrils and stem tendrils are discussed below:
Both leaf and stem tendrils are sensitive to touch, they get coiled on touch
Both leaf tendrils and stem tendrils provide support and attachment to growing parts
Both leaf and stem tendrils emerge as modifications of important and major plant parts such as stem and leaf
Leaf and stem tendrils both see green in color and contain chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis.
Differences Between Stem Tendrils and Leaf Tendrils
Facts About Tendrils
Tendrils of some plants are of high nutritive value
Pea tendrils are a very good source of vitamin C, fibers, and folate
Tendrils can climb very high
Grapevines can climb up to 80 feet.
Key Features
Tendrils are the common modification of stem and leaves
They provide support to the growing plants
The main difference between stem tendrils and leaf tendrils is that Stem tendrils are derived from a particular part of a stem whereas leaf tendrils are derived from a whole leaf or a particular part of a leaf.
Some stem tendrils develop from the axillary bud, and some develop from the apical bud
In leaf tendrils, some develop from the whole leaf and some develop from a particular part of a leaf.
Practice Questions
1. Are tendrils stem or leaf?
2. What are the types of tendrils?
3. Is cucumber stem tendril?
4. What is the difference between stem and leaf?
5. What are tendrils? Give examples of tendrils.
FAQs on Difference Between Stem Tendril and Leaf Tendril Explained
1. What is the main difference between a stem tendril and a leaf tendril?
The main difference lies in their origin and position. A stem tendril is a modification of a plant's stem, typically developing from an axillary or terminal bud. In contrast, a leaf tendril is a modification of a leaf, where the entire leaf or parts of it (like leaflets or the petiole) transform into a climbing structure.
2. What is a stem tendril and what are its characteristics?
A stem tendril is a slender, wiry, and often leafless climbing organ that develops from the modification of a stem. It typically arises from the axil of a leaf or from a terminal bud. These structures are sensitive to touch, helping weak-stemmed plants climb, and may sometimes bear minute, scale-like leaves.
3. What is a leaf tendril and how is it formed?
A leaf tendril is a thread-like climbing structure that is a modification of a plant's leaf or a part of it. Depending on the plant species, the entire leaf, a terminal leaflet of a compound leaf, the leaf tip, or even the petiole can be modified into a tendril to provide support for climbing.
4. How can you identify whether a tendril is a modified stem or a modified leaf by its position on the plant?
You can identify a tendril's origin by observing its position. A stem tendril typically arises from the axil of a leaf (the angle between the leaf and the stem). Conversely, a leaf tendril occupies the position of a leaf or a leaflet and will never have a bud in its own axil.
5. What is the primary function of tendrils in climbing plants?
The primary function of both stem and leaf tendrils is to provide mechanical support for plants with weak stems, such as climbers and vines. By coiling around nearby objects, they help the plant climb upwards to gain better access to sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis.
6. What are some common examples of plants with stem tendrils?
Plants that exhibit stem tendrils are common. Key examples as per the NCERT syllabus for the 2025-26 session include:
Gourds: Such as cucumber, pumpkins, and watermelon, where tendrils arise from axillary buds.
Grapevines (Vitis): The tendrils are modified from terminal buds.
Passion flower (Passiflora): The tendrils are modifications of axillary buds.
7. What are some common examples of plants with leaf tendrils?
Examples of plants that develop leaf tendrils include:
Peas (Pisum sativum): The upper leaflets of the compound leaf are modified into tendrils.
Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus): Here, the terminal leaflets transform into tendrils to help the plant climb.
Yellow Vetch (Lathyrus aphaca): In this unique case, the entire leaf is modified into a single tendril.
8. How do tendrils exhibit thigmotropism to coil around a support?
Thigmotropism is the directional growth of a plant in response to touch. When a tendril makes contact with a solid object, the cells on the side of contact grow slower, while the cells on the opposite, untouched side grow faster. This differential growth, regulated by the plant hormone auxin, causes the tendril to bend and coil tightly around the support, securing the plant.
9. Are stem tendrils and leaf tendrils considered homologous or analogous organs? Explain why.
Stem tendrils and leaf tendrils are classic examples of analogous organs. This is because they perform the same function (providing support for climbing) but have different developmental origins (one from the stem, the other from the leaf). Homologous organs, in contrast, share a common origin but may perform different functions.
10. How are tendrils different from thorns, another type of plant modification?
The key difference is their function and structure. Tendrils are soft, flexible, and thread-like structures specifically adapted for climbing and support. In contrast, thorns are hard, woody, and sharply pointed structures modified from stems or leaves. Their primary function is defence, protecting the plant from being eaten by herbivores.
