Palm (p. 58), I presume,
observed likewise the revolving movement of tendrils; but I do not
feel sure of this, for he says very little on the subject. Dutrochet
fully described this movement of the tendril in the common pea. Mohl
first discovered that tendrils are sensitive to contact; but from
some cause, probably from observing too old tendrils, he was not
aware how sensitive they were, and thought that prolonged pressure
was necessary to excite their movement. Professor Asa Gray, in a
paper already quoted, first noticed the extreme sensitiveness and
rapidity of the movements of the tendrils of certain Cucurbitaceous
plants.
{26} Fritz Muller states (ibid. p. 348) that in South Brazil the
trifid tendrils of Haplolophium, (one of the Bignoniaceae) without
having come into contact with any object, terminate in smooth shining
discs. These, however, after adhering to any object, sometimes
become considerably enlarged.
{27} Comptes Rendus, tom. xvii. 1843, p. 989.
{28} 'Lecons de Botanique,' &c., 1841, p. 170.
{29} I am indebted to Prof. Oliver for information on this head. In
the Bulletin de la Societe Botanique de France, 1857, there are
numerous discussions on the nature of the tendrils in this family.
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