**Growth Forms of Vines:**
– Certain plants grow as vines or low shrubs based on support availability.
– Vines use long stems to grow on supports, reaching sunlight with minimum energy.
– Vines enable quick colonization of large areas, adapting to different environments.
– Climbing habit evolution is linked to success and diversification in plant groups.
– Vines climb using methods like twining, clinging roots, tendrils, or thorns.
**Types of Climbing Vines:**
– Twining vines climb in a helix, aided by rough stems or bristles.
– Shoot tip rotation during climbing is autonomous, not sun-dependent.
– Some vines twine clockwise (e.g., runner bean), others anticlockwise (e.g., black bryony).
– Bines like hops are commercially important for flavoring beer.
– Satirical song Misalliance humorously contrasts twining directions.
**Horticultural Uses of Climbing Plants:**
– Vines like cucumbers are used in agriculture with trellis netting support.
– Climbing plants grow quickly, ideal for garden displays over walls, fences, etc.
– Climbers can be trained over structures or other plants for attraction.
– Some climbers need manual training and tying, while others climb independently.
– Artificial support can be provided for climbers in gardens.
**Scientific Insights into Vines:**
– Darwin classified vines based on climbing method into twining, leaf climbers, etc.
– Vines have multiple evolutionary origins, unique ability to climb, and wide phenotypic plasticity.
– Climbing mechanisms determine vine success in different environments.
– Different vine types have specific adaptations for climbing in various conditions.
– Climbing vines exhibit unique characteristics in response to environmental changes.
**Miscellaneous Characteristics of Vines:**
– Vines can be woody (lianas) or herbaceous, like morning glory or climbing ferns.
– Climbing vines display unique behaviors like inducing chemical defenses.
– Some vines show specific responses to herbivores, modifying their growth.
– Vines can distinguish between plant species when coiling tendrils.
– Vines can grow in deep shade or full sun due to their climbing abilities and plasticity.
A vine (from Latin vīnea 'grapevine, vineyard'; from vīnum 'wine') is any plant with a growth habit of trailing or scandent (that is, climbing) stems, lianas, or runners. The word vine can also refer to such stems or runners themselves, for instance, when used in wicker work.
In parts of the world, including the British Isles, the term "vine" usually applies exclusively to grapevines (Vitis), while the term "climber" is used for all climbing plants.