Tendril Climbers Research Articles

Behavioral and economic traits reflect distinct resource acquisition strategies in tendril vines and stem twining vines.

Climbing plants are important components of tropical and many temperate forest ecosystems. Current studies regard climbing plants as a single ecological plant type and ignore the ecological differences resulting from their climbing mechanisms, which may lead to a misrepresentation of the role of climbing plants in forest dynamics. Based on behavioral traits and economic traits of climbing plants, we test the hypothesis that tendril climbers and stem twiners are characterized by different resource acquisition strategies. We quantified and compared 4 behavioral traits and 7 economic traits of four stem twining vines and four tendril vines in a temperate oak forest and further tested their differences in resource acquisition strategy. Our study found that tendril vines were scattered in a group distinct from stem twining vines along the first axes of the principal component analysis using four behavioral traits and seven economic traits, being located at the more acquisitive end with more hosts, a larger distance to length ratio of stem, higher leaf and root nitrogen concentrations, and lower leaf carbon content, while stem twining vines showed the opposite trends. These results indicate that tendril vines have a more acquisitive strategy than stem twining vines. The findings suggest a functional variability among the different climbing mechanisms, and which should be accounted for in future studies.

Powerful UAV manipulation via bioinspired self-adaptive soft self-contained gripper.

Existing grippers for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manipulation have persistent challenges, highlighting a need for grippers that are soft, self-adaptive, self-contained, easy to control, and lightweight. Inspired by tendril plants, we propose a class of soft grippers that are voltage driven and based on winding deformation for self-adaptive grasping. We design two types of U-shaped soft eccentric circular tube actuators (UCTAs) and propose using the liquid-gas phase-transition mechanism to actuate UCTAs. Two types of UCTAs are separately cross-arranged to construct two types of soft grippers, forming self-contained systems that can be directly driven by voltage. One gripper inspired by tendril climbers can be used for delicate grasping, and the other gripper inspired by hook climbers can be used for strong grasping. These grippers are ideal for deployment in UAVs because of their self-adaptability, ease of control, and light weight, paving the way for UAVs to achieve powerful manipulation with low positioning accuracy, no complex grasping planning, self-adaptability, and multiple environments.

Pharmacognostical Assessment, Antioxidant Ability and Determination of Phytomolecules using GC-MS in Gloriosa superba Linn.

Gloriosa superba Linn (family Colchicaceae) is a tendril climber with cylindrical and V or L shaped rhizomes that has received much attention due to its ancient pharmacological uses and being a rich source of colchicine. The pharmacognostical profile of leaf, stem and rhizome were analysed to assure the grade of raw material in the proposed investigation. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of ethanolic rhizome extract of G. superba (EREG) was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Simultaneously, we have evaluated the phytochemical profile of EREG by GC-MS and total phenolic content was performed as well. Transverse section (TS) of rhizome revealed thin layer of brownish scales that fabricate the outer skin. In addition, the cortical area made up of homogeneous fleshy and parenchymal cells filled with starch granules which is one of the superabundant diagnostic features of this plant. Pharmacognostical profile of leaf, stem and rhizome of the plant demonstrated the evidence of authenticity of this plant. Anti-scavenging capacity (IC50) and total phenolic content was 77.20% and 9.54 mg, GAE/g, respectively. The GC-MS library identified two phytoconstituents as diethyl phthalate (100% peak area) and arsenous acid, tris(trimethylsilyl) ester (22.68% peak area) whose vast benefits are reported in the fields of pharmaceuticals, industry and personal care products. Frivolous research work in the field of pharmacognosy, antioxidant ability and instrumental analysis for phytomolecules provides a vast avenue for research on G. superba.

Glimpse of Herbaceous and Woody Climbers of Hassan District, Karnataka

The study was carried out to document the species of herbaceous and woody climbers in the Western Ghats region of the Hassan district. A total of 170 species of climbers were documented belonging to 126 genera under 46 families. The dominant climber families are Leguminosae (26 spp.), Convolvulaceae (18 spp.), followed by Cucurbitaceae (17 spp.). Of the total climbers documented, 76 species belongs to herbaceous climbers and 94 species belongs to woody climbers. Of the six climbing mechanisms, twiners (54 %) are most predominant, followed by tendril climbers (21 %), stragglers-armed (13 %), stragglers-unarmed (8 %), root climbers (3 %), and hook climbers (1 %). Distribution among the vegetation revealed that a maximum number of species inhabit tropical dry deciduous forest (52 spp.), scrub forest (39 spp.), and wasteland (33 spp.) have the most species, followed by home garden (28 spp.), tropical semi-evergreen forest, (21 spp.), tropical moist deciduous forest (16 spp.), and other vegetation types. The study also documented the various uses of climbers for human consumption (42 spp.), medicinal purpose (98 spp.), ornamental purpose (26 spp.), and other uses (4 spp.).

Taxonomic estimates of climbing plants in India: how many species are out there?

ABSTRACT We present the first-ever attempt to estimate the taxonomic diversity of climbing plants in India, following the recent APG IV classification. We used more than 100 published and unpublished sources spanning more than a century to compile the extensive list of climbers. Our study revealed that the climbing plants in India are phylogenetically diverse, representing 2624 species radiated across 585 genera and 104 spermatophyte plant families. About two-thirds of the total climbers enumerated from the present study are lianas. Scramblers, in particular, are exclusively woody, unlike twiners and tendril climbers. The diversity of climbing mechanisms varied significantly across the 104 climber families. We also present the revised list of global climbing plant families, adding significantly to the existing dataset. We found that the climber diversity data collected exclusively from the ecological inventories or the taxonomic records underestimated the actual climber diversity by a significant margin. We discuss some of the key constraints in developing a climber database and recommend a replicable model, integrating ecology and taxonomy-based enumerations for the most precise estimate of climber diversity within a defined geographical area. The baseline data generated through our research will find applications in many ecological, taxonomic, phylogenetic, and evolutionary studies on climbers.

A Review on Vitis vinifera L.: The Grape

Vitis vinifera, the Grape being a common fruit with great nutritional values, has been known to mankind since ancient times. Vitis vinifera is a renowned species of grape with a number of varieties originated from western Asia and southern Europe. Vitis vinifera is the Latin name applied to grapevines. It is a vigorous, high-powered tendril climber with a large, lobed, bright green leaves. The tiny green summer flowers are followed by late summer bunches of small grapes. The fruit is used as food supplement and the seeds and leaves are employed in herbal therapy. The most significant application of grape is in wine production followed by raisin and juice. Thus, grape is also an economically important fruit crop in the world. Several varieties of Vitis vinifera are available in India. Phytochemistry, pharmacological, nutraceutical, traditional uses of Vitis vinifera are been presented in this review. The nutritional and phytochemical constituents present in the grape have resulted in its health beneficial effects however more studies are needed regarding the genotoxicity and toxicity of Vitis vinifera.

Review on pharmacological activities of Mukia maderaspatana

Cucurbits are consumable crops, belonging to the family of Cucurbitaceae. They are widely distributed in the regions of tropical and sub-tropical region. These tendril climbers are grown in village surrounding. The plant has been grown from olden days for its medicinal value. It is used as herbal drug for cough and cold. All parts of plant such as leaf, stem, root, fruit and seeds are used in historical system of medicine. Cucurbits are naturally trailing plant. Edible food such as watermelon and cucumber are found in cucurbit family. Plants belonging to cucurbits family are higher in nutritional value. Mukia maderaspatana belongs to Cucurbitaceae genus. It is (called as “musumusukkai” in tamil). It is also known as Cucumis maderaspatana. Mukia maderaspatana has pharmacological activities such as aperient, diuretic, stomachic, antipyretic, anti-flatulent, anti-asthmatic, antitussive, antihistaminic, antibronchitic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic, antiulcer. Phytochemical screening shows the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, saponin, carbohydrate and steroid in ethanol and methanol extraction. In this article we discuss on pharmacological activities of Mukia maderaspatana.

Mind the Gap: Reach and Mechanical Diversity of Searcher Shoots in Climbing Plants

Climbing plants need to reach supports and position their leaves for light capture. Vines and lianas develop a large diversity of self-supporting shoots among diverse species and different kinds of attachment. A searcher’s reach is a crucial trait for colonising supports in complex three-dimensional spaces. We explore the reach capacity and diversity of searcher shoots among representative temperate and tropical climbing plants. We investigate the overall range of variation between short- and long-reach searchers; the mechanical and anatomical organisations underlying reach capacities; how searcher architectures are linked to different climbing strategies such as stem twining, tendril climbing, root climbing, and branch-angle-hook climbing. We investigated reach and mechanical and anatomical organisations (stem rigidity and stiffness, stem and tissue geometry) in 29 climbing plant species from temperate and tropical habitats. Searchers show a wide range of maximal reach per species from 0.1 to 2.5 m. Flexural rigidity (EI) at the base of searchers increased with reach length; overall this increase was proportional although some longest-reaching shoots develop proportionally thinner searcher bases with higher stiffness [structural Young’s modulus (Estr)] than shorter-reach shoots. Bases of short-reach searchers rely more on primary tissues compared to long-reach shoots, which rely more on wood production. We identified different mechanical architectures for a given reach capacity across all species. These are linked to different kinds of attachment mechanisms, support foraging, and possibly leaf display. Plants attaching by twining of the main stem showed a wide range of reach capacity. They also developed lighter, more slender, less rigid, but generally relatively stiff (higher Estr) shoots compared with tendril climbers and branch-angle-hook climbers. Differences in the mechanical architecture of searcher shoots in climbing plants are informative for understanding how diverse climbing plant species explore and colonise different kinds of three-dimensional spaces. This is a key feature that distinguishes different habitat preferences. We discuss how such knowledge is not only important for understanding functional biology and ecology of climbing plants but is also of interest for developing new technologies in soft robotics that mimic climbing plants that can navigate through unstructured environments.

An inventory of ethno-medicinal climbers from the southern parts of West Bengal, India

Present investigation reported 86 ethno-medicinal climbers from southern parts of West Bengal, of which 8 species are of monocots under 4 families; 77 species of dicots under 25 families and 1 species of pteridophyte (e.g. Lygodium pinnatifidum). Out of 86 climbers, 51 species are twiners, 4 species are liana, 17 species are tendril climbers, 7 species are scramblers, 3 species are ramblers, 3 species are root-climbers and 1 species is hook-climber. As many as 37 diseases and problems can be treated by the utilisation of medicinal properties of 86 climbers. Out of 37 diseases most common diseases are rheumatism, wound healing, asthma, gout, diabetes, jaundice, ulcers, dysentery, leprosy, lecucoderma, menstruation, cough, eye problems, bone fracture, piles, veneral diseases, etc. Local names, types of climbers, parts used and mode of treatment have been discussed.

DIVERSITY OF ANGIOSPERM CLIMBER SPECIES IN POINT CALIMERE WILDLIFE AND BIRD SANCTUARY, TAMIL NADU

Climbers are currently understood to have a range of important ecological functions in forest dynamics. Climbers are already recognized as an important group for tropical biodiversity, playing a key role in ecosystem level processes and providing resources for pollinators and dispersers. The present study is an attempt to document different climber species and their uses in Point Calimere Wildlife and Birds Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India. The present study recorded 53 herbaceous climbers and 21 lianas from all the forests types of Point Calimere Sanctuary, covering 25 families. Considering all climbers and lianas, 40 species are stem twiners, 2 species are branch twiners, 4 are spiny Climbers, 19 species are tendril climbers and 8 species are hook climbers. Most of the lianas are distributed in scrub forests and many climbers are recorded in wet lands. 53 medicinal climbers are recorded in the study area. Roots and leaves are widely used to treat diseases. To obtain a better comprehension of the floristic, ecological and biogeographical patterns of climbing species at a global scale, it is of the utmost importance that future studies include an increased number of subtropical and temperate sites.

IN VITRO ANTI-ARTHRITIC ACTIVITY OF CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS STEM EXTRACT

Objective: The present investigation deals with the study of in vitro anti-arthritic activity by inhibition of protein denaturation method by bovine serum albumin method and egg albumin method. Cissus quadrangularis Linn plant is a perennial tendril climber with quadrangular stem. It is used in the treatment of gout, syphilis, stomach ache, regularized the menstrual cycle, antimicrobial activity, and piles in Ayurvedic medicine, and traditionally used for the bone fracture.Method: The air-dried powder of C. quadrangularis Linn (stem parts) was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol C. quadrangularis (MECQ) and aqueous C. quadrangularis water (AECQ) as solvent. The extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure. The activities were carried out using the following concentration (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 μg/ml) and compared with diclofenac as standard drug. It has significant in vitro anti-arthritic in both the methods.Result: The extract of C. quadrangularis possessed significant anti-arthritic property in MECQ than compared to AECQ.Conclusion: Activity may be due to the presence of the chemical profile such as phenolic acid, flavonoid (leuteotin), and β-sitosterol. The results of the study have suggested in the use of C. quadrangularis Linn as a potent anti-arthritic in several applications.

IN VITRO ANTI-ARTHRITIC ACTIVITY OF CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS STEM EXTRACT

Objective: The present investigation deals with the study of in vitro anti-arthritic activity by inhibition of protein denaturation method by bovine serum albumin method and egg albumin method. Cissus quadrangularis Linn plant is a perennial tendril climber with quadrangular stem. It is used in the treatment of gout, syphilis, stomach ache, regularized the menstrual cycle, antimicrobial activity, and piles in Ayurvedic medicine, and traditionally used for the bone fracture.Method: The air-dried powder of C. quadrangularis Linn (stem parts) was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol C. quadrangularis (MECQ) and aqueous C. quadrangularis water (AECQ) as solvent. The extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure. The activities were carried out using the following concentration (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 μg/ml) and compared with diclofenac as standard drug. It has significant in vitro anti-arthritic in both the methods.Result: The extract of C. quadrangularis possessed significant anti-arthritic property in MECQ than compared to AECQ.Conclusion: Activity may be due to the presence of the chemical profile such as phenolic acid, flavonoid (leuteotin), and β-sitosterol. The results of the study have suggested in the use of C. quadrangularis Linn as a potent anti-arthritic in several applications.

Tendril Climber Inspired Structure-Induced Cell Growth by Direct Writing Heterogeneous Scaffold

As a fundamental issue, cell-scaffold interaction has drawn increased attention in tissue engineering. The ability of tendril-climbers to perceive position and climb up toward the trellis in an ingenious manner induces interest. Thus, the question arises whether the cell can also grow as ingenious as the plant. Prompted by the climbing mechanism of tendril climbers, we proposed a novel method for inducing cell growth by using specially designed scaffolds with heterogeneous structures. A high-resolution 3D printing method via melt direct writing for fabricating these scaffolds was developed. By melting biodegradable polymers in the nozzle and high-voltage attraction, scaffolds with fiber diameters measuring 3μm can be printed layer by layer. Heterogeneous structures, such as various fiber diameters and pore sizes, can be freely printed in one scaffold at the different locations by adjusting correlated parameters. Owing to these properties of the scaffold, interesting phenomena of cell growth were observed. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exhibited different growth rates on the scaffold with different pore sizes. And bone marrow stem cell (BMSCs) showed several morphological characteristics on the scaffold consisting of fibers with specific diameters. Therefore, we can regulate and control cell growth to different status in one scaffold by merely designing structures. This study generally provides a structure-induced cell growth strategy for better simulating in-vivo like environment.

SURVEY OF CLIMBERS IN ATCHANKULAM, KOTTARAM PANCHAYAT, KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT, TAMILNADU, INDIA

Climbing plants are one of the most interesting group but a much neglected group of plants. But, they also play a part in historical importance of our ancient buildings which owe their attraction to the green veil which covers up their architectural or structural defects making them assume perfect beauty in our eyes. The present survey reveals that angiospermic climbers of the study area are represented by 94 species under 63 genera belonging to 32 families. Among all families, Convolvulaceae, Papilionaceae (7 species) and Vitaceae are the most dominating family species as well as genera wise. The dominant families are Convolvulaceae, Papilionaceae, Vitaceae, Apocynaceae, Menispermaceae and Oleaceae. The most abundant liana species include the thorny stragglers Pterolobium hexapetalun (Caesalpiniaceae), Lantana camara (Verbenaceae), and the twiners Jasminum angustifolium (Oleaceae), Gymnena sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae) and Aganosmacymosavar. cymosa (Apocynaceae). The enumerated climbing modes were classified into woody vines, the lianas (75) and herbaceous vines (19). Six climbing modes of lianas were recognized as stem twiners (37) followed by stragglers-unarmed (28), stragglers unarmed (10), tendril climbers (17), root climbers (1) and hook climber (1).

Bioinspired Graphene Actuators Prepared by Unilateral UV Irradiation of Graphene Oxide Papers

Inspired by natural autonomous systems that demonstrate controllable shape, appearance, and actuation under external stimuli, a facile preparation of moisture responsive graphene‐based smart actuators by unilateral UV irradiation of graphene oxide (GO) papers is reported. UV irradiation of GO is found to be an effective protocol to trigger the reduction of GO; however, due to the limited light transmittance and thermal relaxation, thick GO paper cannot be fully reduced. Consequently, by tuning the photoreduction gradient, anisotropic GO/reduced GO (RGO) bilayer structure can be easily prepared toward actuation application. To get better control over the responsive properties, GO/RGO bilayer paper with a certain curvature and RGO patterns are successfully prepared for actuator design. As representative examples, smart humidity‐driven graphene actuators that mimic the cilia of respiratory tract and tendril climber plant are successfully developed for controllable objects transport.

Macro-microscopic standards of an abortifacient druglangali (tubers of Gloriosa superba Linn.)

Gloriosa superba Linn., a striking herbaceous tendril climber with underground cylindrical white tuberous root, forms as a source of Langali -a upavisha dravya. The root contains an alkaloid colchicine (0.23- 0.3%). Though a poisonous root, having the magnificent therapeutic benefit, deliberate attempt to record its standard macro-microscopic features by photomicrography is lacking. Matured, authenticated tuberous roots were collected from its natural habitat. Macro-microscopic and powder characters were recorded using standard methodology. Thin walled parenchymatous cells with plenty of simple and compound starch grains, collateral vascular bundles scattered in the ground tissue, and absence of any sclerenchymatous tissue are microscopic recordings of transverse section of root. The powder has shown the presence of starch grains and cells of scaly leaves in surface view. This study along with photographic atlas will serve as reference for the correct identification of the drug and to differentiate it from their substitute and adulterants.

Taxonomic Diversity of Lianas in Tropical Forests of Northern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India

Lianas are important in forest ecosystem and strongly influence the forest dynamics and diversity. Lianas are common in the tropical moist deciduous and rain forests, which are competing with other forest trees. Little information is known on the habitat specialization in tropical lianas diversity and the root causes for variation among forests in liana species composition. A total of 170 liana species (≥ 1.5 cm girth at breast height) representing 109 genera and 43 families were reported in 5×5 m quadrate samples along with their climbing modes in the tropical forests of northern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 210 grids were sampled in study area and reported that Convolvulaceae was the dominant family with 23 species followed by Papilionaceae, 22 species and Asclepiadaceae, 19 species and Ipomoea was the largest genera. Woody lianas were dominated by 128 species and these are classified into six climbing modes consisting in stem climbers (53.5%) that were the most predominant followed by stragglersunarmed (14.7%), stragglers armed and tendril climbers (13.5% each), root climbers (2.9%) and hook climbers (1.8%). The most dominant liana species in the northern Eastern Ghats were Acacia sinuata and Bauhinia vahlii. The results of this investigation suggests that better management and protection is an important for in situ conservation of liana diversity and involving local people is emphasized.

Functional traits behind the association between climbers and subordinate woody species

AbstractQuestionFunctional differences among climber species may reflect different strategies to cope with the environment created by the set of trees and shrubs used to reach the canopy. Moreover, climber diversity may be promoted and maintained by associations with subordinate woody species. Considering that functional differences among climbers may reflect this relationship, we aimed to identify trait differences among climbers, and the traits related to the association between climbers and woody species.LocationRestinga de Jurubatiba National Park, a tropical sandy coastal plant community in southeast Brazil.MethodsRelative abundances of climbers and shrubs/trees were surveyed, and climber species were described by a set of traits related to dispersal, establishment and persistence. Principal coordinate analysis was used to identify trait differences among climbers. Further, we performed principal components analysis in a community‐weighted mean trait values matrix (CWM) and compared the major pattern of variation with the abundance of dominant and subordinate woody species, and with environmental variables.ResultsThe analyses revealed functional traits behind the association between climbers and subordinate woody species. These species are mostly characterized by the presence of latex and dry fruits, anemochorous dispersal and stem twining climbing strategy. They were associated with the subordinate shrub Erythroxylum subsessile. Tendril climbers were more generalist and were also characterized by zoochoric dispersal and the presence of endosperm.ConclusionsThe associative behaviour between climbers and the subordinate shrub E. subsessile is explained by a specific set of traits present in species of the same plant family, Apocynaceae. While stem twiners were positively associated with the specialist nurse E. subsessile, tendril climbers were associated with the dominant nurses. These results offer clues to understand the presence of specialist and generalist groups of climber species in tropical plant communities, as well as community assembly through facilitation driven by subordinate species.

ChemInform Abstract: Cucurbitane Triterpenoids from Momordica charantia and Their Cytoprotective Activity in tert‐Butyl Hydroperoxide‐Induced Hepatotoxicity of HepG2 Cells.

AbstractThree new triterpenoids (I)‐(III) are isolated from the tendril climber Momordica charantia.

Liana habitat and host preferences in northern temperate forests

Lianas and other climbers are important ecological and structural components of forest communities. Like other plants, their abundance in a given habitat depends on a variety of factors, such as light, soil moisture and nutrients. However, since lianas require external support, host tree characteristics also influence their distribution. Lianas are conspicuous life forms in tropical regions, but in temperate areas, where they are less prominent, little is known about factors that control their distributions in these forests. We surveyed the climbing plant species in 20 mature (100 years and greater) forested habitats in the Midwest USA at a variety of levels from simple presence/absence, to ground layer abundances, to those species that had ascended trees. We also examined attributes of the tree species with climbers attached to them. Using cluster analysis, we distinguished five different tree communities in our survey locations. We determined that 25% of the trees we surveyed had one or more lianas attached to it, with Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) the most common climbing species encountered. Canopy cover and soil attributes both influenced climber species presence/absence and ground layer climber abundance. The proportion of liana species of a given climbing type (roots, stem twiner, tendril climber) was significantly related to the DBH of the host tree, with more root climbers and fewer stem and tendril climbers on large trees. In general, the DBH of climbing lianas had a significant positive relationship to the DBH of the host tree; however this varied by the identity of the liana and the tree species. The greater the DBH of the host tree, the higher the probability that it was colonized by one or more lianas, with tree species such as Pinus banksiana (jack pine) and Quercus alba (white oak) being more susceptible to liana colonization than others. Finally, some liana species such as Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet) showed a preference for certain tree species (i.e., P. banksiana) as hosts. The information obtained about the relationship between the tree and climber community in this study provides insight into some of the factors that influence liana distributions in understudied temperate forest habitats and how lianas contribute to the structure of these mature forests. In addition, these data can provide a point of comparison to other liana communities in both temperate and tropical regions.