Question

Plants that grow along the ground instead of growing erect are known as……..?

Answer 1

Hint: These plants generally require some support so they grow around another plant or up a wall. They have thin, slender stems and branches which aid in support. They spread horizontally along with the soil. Creepers are also known as procumbent plants.

Complete answer:
-Plants that grow along the ground instead of growing erect are known as “Creepers” and they generally have a weak, long, fragile stem.
-From the base of the stem, they have fiber like roots which help them to grow. Roots are produced at each node.
-By providing the support we can grow them vertically in the garden. This saves space and can provide foliage to cover walls, fences, and so on.
-A compost-rich soil can enhance the growth of creepers.
-Common examples of creepers are pumpkin, watermelon, sweet potato.
-Pumpkins are annual vines, generally short-lived. They have branching tendrils with broad leaves.
-since they are creepers they can be used to grow against a fence.

Additional information:
-Creepers can spread horizontally but climbers always require proper support.
-Creepers generally require moist soil.
-Fruits formed on creepers have a large size as compared to that on climbers.
-Creepers require regular attention.
-They have a special mechanism like sensors that enable them to creep through different surfaces.
-Their leaves are broad enough to get maximum light.

Note:
A disadvantage of creepers is that they are large, fully exposed to light and heat of the stem, so there is a high chance of water loss through transpiration. Their life span is confined to one year or longer. They are useful to have a green spread over an area. They are even grown as ornamental plants. Their fruits have high nutritional value.