Scandens
/SKAN-denz/🏷️ Taxonomy● Basic
A habit epithet meaning the plant climbs — whether by twining stems, tendrils, aerial roots, or hooked thorns. It immediately identifies the plant as a climber or scrambler needing support, a wall, or a host plant to reach its full potential. From the present participle of the Latin verb for climbing.
Etymology
From Latin scandens, present participle of scandere, meaning "to climb" or "to ascend."
Example
“Hydrangea petiolaris (climbing hydrangea), listed as scandens in some references, and Solanum scandens both use this epithet to signal their climbing nature to any gardener selecting plants for a trellis.”