Interesting facts about the tendrils

The well-known three-pointed virgin vine (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), for example, is one of the self-climbing climbing plants that ideally does not need any additional climbing aid. Instead, it forms what are known as thread-like shoot axes at the end of its tendrils Adhesive disks with the help of which they independently and effortlessly smooth surfaces such as facades and walls can climb. The self-climbing virgin vine (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), especially the “Engelmannii” variety, has very good climbing properties. In contrast, the common virgin vine (Parthenocissus vitacea) does develop tendrils, but no sticky feet that enable it to climb on its own.

Suitable climbing aids

For this reason, the common virgin vine should always be provided with a suitable trellis, along which the tendrils of the plant can grow. Tendrils are sensitive to touch and react to such stimuli with efforts to wind and curl. A stable mesh of wire or ropes is well suited, although self-climbing species also benefit from such a construction. On the one hand, these act as fall protection, but on the other hand, they also keep damage to surfaces such as facades and walls in check due to the strongly adhering tendrils.

Problematic removal of the adhesive disks

These are extremely tight and can only be removed with great effort and often only with the use of chemical agents. Even if an older, well-established wild wine is the result of a storm or similar. ä. crashes, only the tendrils tear themselves loose from the adhesive discs - which in turn still stick to the ground. For this reason, wild wine can - moreover, it has the tendency, despite all efforts, to grow wherever it is has no business being - considerable damage to the masonry and facades as well as, through the roots, also in the foundations to dish out. Therefore, consider a possible planting of wild grapevine very carefully.