Why do the leaves of creeper always point downwards? How does creeper climb?

1. Why do the leaves of creeper always point downwards?

The leaves of the ivy are all pointing downwards, which is related to the direction in which the ivy climbs the wall. Because it climbs up step by step, and when it grows a foot, it holds on to the wall firmly, waiting to grow new tender leaves. Then it grew another leg and continued to climb up. Its foot is on the back of the petiole. As it climbs upwards, it will pull the entire stem upward, and the leaves will naturally point downward.

Every time the ivy climbs up the wall, it will drive its stems and leaves to climb the vertical exterior wall. Over time, the tips of the leaves will point downwards due to the force of gravity.

Observation reveals that the leaves of the ivy are not only all pointing downwards, but are also distributed very evenly, with each leaf hardly overlapping each other. This is actually a phenomenon called leaf mosaic. They will fill in as much space as possible to get more sunlight, and the leaves are distributed in a staggered manner to ensure that all leaves receive relatively even light. The inlaying effect of the leaves allows it to receive sunlight over a larger area, protect its roots and stems, reduce water loss, maintain the humidity of the wall to which it is attached, and create a good living environment suitable for its growth.

2. How does Parthenocissus climb?

Ivy climbs up step by step, not one foot at a time. There are tendrils on its branches, and there are sticky suction cups on the top of the tendrils. These are its feet. Once it encounters an object, it will stick to it and not move. Every time it grows a leg, it climbs up a bit and then clings tightly to the wall without moving. Wait for new branches and new legs to grow out, and then the new legs will continue to climb up like a relay. And it also branches, so there may be many legs climbing up at the same time.