Tendril

In botany, a tendril is a specialized stem, leaf or petiole with a threadlike shape that is used by climbing plants for support and attachment, generally by twining around whatever it touches.

Related Topics:
Botany - Stem - Leaf - Petiole - Climbing plant

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In the garden pea, it is only the terminal leaflets that are modified to become tendrils. In other plants such as the yellow vetch (Lathyrus aphaca) the whole leaf is modified to become tendrils while the stipules become enlarged and carry out photosynthesis.

Related Topics:
Garden pea - Yellow vetch - Lathyrus aphaca - Photosynthesis

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Tendril can also be used to describe a wisp of hair or indeed anything that resembles the tendrils of plants.

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