VINES AND CLIMBERS REVISITED

The stems of some vines grow in a spiral manner around upright objects such as small trunks of shrubs or saplings, or fence posts and telephone poles.  Stems displaying such characteristic growth are called   twiners.  The higher a twining stem grows the more tightly it hugs its support.

Other species form special grasping organs called tendrils, that are either modified leaf parts or short stems derived from the growth of axillary buds.  Tendrils coil around small objects with which they come into contact--the stems of other plants, or garden stakes, fence wires and string supports.  Once anchored the principal stem grows upward short distance before sending out more tendrils.  Leaf tendrils are adapted from leaflets of compound leaves (Sweet Pea for example), stipules (Green Briar), or petioles (Clematis).

 FROM

Botany for Gardeners

BRIAN CAPON

Timber Press

page  103

Having written that, lets go to me garden. What I have in detail:

Passiflora edulis, pallida, foetida

Clitoria Ternatea

Merremia quinquefolia

Ipomoea batata, quamoclit

Wedelia trilobata

Canavalia maritima

Bouganvillea

If you live in the tropics you could find any of the above mentioned without much difficulty.  I will share now my observations about those that I have planted and like the most. Plus the problems they will create in for you. 

Clitorea ternatea

Yep. The name is no accident.  It looks according to some experts to that part

of the female of the species. What is important, is the blue indigo of the flower, a rarity among tropicals.  Only Commelina elegans compete in bluish beauty.

But beware, you should only plant Clitoreas, within metal, wood, strings contexts for support.  It will strangle any living creature near by.  Remember, most leaving creatures in the garden,  with woody structures have a vascular system.  Nutrients, water come up and down their trunks.  The pressure created by strangulation will stop this process, killing whatever supports this vine, slowly but sure.

Cavalinas, Wedelias, Bejuco de puerco,(not in the list, an Ipomoea), create similar  problems for their unruly growth.  Bejuco de puerco is the worst.
It will climb for some time, but will come down to the ground soon or later, Wedelias are crippled from the same leg, Canavalias, become a pain in the ass, even when not coming down.

Bouganvillea

Some may wonder if this woody bush is really a climber, twiner or whatever.  It does not matter what you or yours truly thinks, it will grow like those mentioned for some time.  Use your judgment.  Do not prune in anticipation.  Or pay the price. Become a pruning slave in your spare time.

Mine is giving the west garden in front of the house the Andalus look. No pruning except when there is no choice.

The trend of pruning Bouganvilleas as a hedge, is the most stupid habit found down here. DON'T! Or check Anita's garden in the picture.  

Originally from Brazil/sil, this creature has the most intense, beautiful colors in our context.  Some are not of me liking, however their growht habit, when respected will enhance ANY context.

Final words. Grapes, Kiwis, are similar since they become woody.  Passiflora edulis will not. All three will bring pleasure with their fruits or flowers.

I reiterate that this type of plants will enhance any garden, even if you live in Puercorico, USA.  Just be in guard, in this godforsaken asphalt/concrete, vegetation of any kind is unwelcome in MANY circles or the enemy, in brief.

Time to go..Apaga i vamonos.

EDITORS NOTE

This template stinks somehow.

But the senior citizens my age, will

love me even more since they will not need glasses or any kind of ZOOMING.