Re: Vines and the Coriolis Effect

From: Rand Nicholson <writserv at nbnet.nb.ca> on 1996.12.28 at 22:40:54(16) >It's my understanding that most species have a characteristic >phyllotaxy. Would we expect then that a given species planted >"north" and "south" would exhibit this in equal magnitude but >opposite direction? It would surprise me, but then I've been >surprised more than once in my life and the natural world IS the >place to find surprises :) > >[phyllotaxy refers to the natural "spiral" or "twist" in a plant. >Start at a leaf and count the number of spirals made until a leaf is >found directly above and in line with the first and then divide by >the total number of leaves passed.] > +More >|================================================================| >| David G. Bauman Dawn G. Bauman | >| Collections Botanist Greenhouse Manager | >| Indianapolis Zoo IUPUI, Biology Dept. | >| (317) 630-2060 voice (317) 274-0584 voice | >| (317) 630-5153 fax (317) 274-2846 fax | >| dbauman@mail.indyzoo.com dbauman@indyvax.iupui.edu | >|================================================================| Be that as it may, David, the Scarlet Runner bean vines in this part of the continent of North America (Maritime Canada) and, as far North as {The beginnings of the "True North" :) } Yellowknife, Sweet Peas, are not _right_ or _left_ "handed". They _will_ try to continue a twist, once they have something to grasp onto, but they have a haphazard inclination to spiral in one direction from what I have seen. Indeed, it seems to be in a vine's nature just take advantage of what support is offered within its biosystem. I have left the old Scarlet Runner (and others; Morning Glories, etc.) vines (don't ask) where they were when our Canadian winter set in. They are perfectly preserved by the nasty cold winds and frosts, albiet leafless. (sigh) More clean-up for me to do next spring!

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