Climbing plants

Photos: Arne Ader
Translation: Liis
Hedge bindweed
 
Hedge bindweed    Tara-seatapp      Calystegia sepium
 
Field bindweed     Harilik kassitapp   Convolvulus arvensis
 
Hedge bindweed and field bindweed that started flowering already in the previous month catch attention in nature with their large, bright and funnel-shaped flowers.
 
Both belong to the bindweed or morning glory family, Convolvulaceae; with down-lying or winding thin stems and lush leaves. On supports they are very good climbers, twisting anti-clockwise; if there is nothing to lean on they manage with creeping on the ground too – such plants we see on seashores as well as road verges.
 
Generally climbing plants have suitable aids for support, either tendrils or aerial roots. The hedge and field bindweeds lack the above-mentioned tools, they are good twiners twisting their stems around the poles in a garden, other plants or a mesh fence that suits them particularly well: they can cover it with a thick sheet of leaves and flowers. It is difficult to get rid of  bindweed that is already established, due to the density, depth and wide spread of the underground root system.
 
The two plants are rather similar as described outwardly but have several differences: the field bindweed is smaller than the hedge bindweed, the flowers too are smaller, they are located on the stem and often 2 or 3 together. The hedge bindweed flowers are solitary and in the axils of leaves, and are large and luxuriant.
 
Field bindweed


 

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