The mechanisms by which climbing plants ascend involve different structures that are particular to genera or families, therefore, these structures or mechanisms are useful in diagnosing different taxonomic groups.
Filiform (or sometimes disc-shaped or claw-shaped), sensitive appendages that grab or adhere to a substrate, allowing the plant to climb. These are considered modifications of various organs, such as leaves or stems, and are classified according to the position they occupy, even when they do not resemble the structure that they are derived from. Tendrils are sometimes only partially developed presenting intermediate forms between the organs they are derived from and a fully developed tendril (e.g., Entada polyphylla). Prehensile leaves and branches may resemble tendrils but they are less specialized than tendrils.
Twining lateral branches useful for anchoring and climbing, usually not presenting any structural modification, except for the presence of ephemeral or late-developing leaves. These usually have determinate growth.
Distal portion of main shoot freely rotating and grabbing on to adjacent structures as the plant grow high. Most species twine clock-wise, although some are known to twine in either direction
1. Main stem with short determinate growth (sympodial)
Production of aerial roots that adhere to host plants, allowing them to reach higher portions of the forest. Some species in this category eventually loose connection with the ground, and for this reason they are not considered true climbers by many researchers. They however, are included in this treatment due to their elongated climbing stems.
1. Leaves opposite:
• Acanthaceae --Neriacanthus
• Apocynaceae --Hoya carnosa
• Bignoniaceae –Campsis radicans (cultivated and adventive in several countries)
Adhesives structures in parasitic plants, used to withdraw nutrients from host plants. In vine-like species the haustoria serve as a climbing and attaching mechanism.