What is Creeper Plants?

A creeper is a plant that has a weak stem and cannot stand upright, so it grows horizontally along the ground. These plants spread out over a surface rather than growing upwards.
They often develop roots from the nodes (the part of the stem where leaves emerge) that touch the soil, which helps them anchor themselves and absorb additional nutrients.

Key Characteristics of Creepers

• Weak Stems: Their stems are fragile and cannot support the plant's weight vertically.
• Horizontal Growth: They spread out low across the ground.
• No Climbing Structures: Unlike climbers, creepers do not have specialized structures like tendrils or aerial roots to attach themselves to supports.
• Heavy Fruits: Many creepers, like pumpkins and watermelons, bear large, heavy fruits that are best supported by the ground.

Common Examples of Creepers 

Some well-known examples of creeper plants include:

• Pumpkin (Kaddu)
• Watermelon (Tarbooz)
• Strawberry
• Sweet Potato (Shakarkandi)
• Muskmelon (Kharbuja)

How are Creepers Different from Climbers?

People often confuse creepers with climbers, but they have a key difference in their growth habit.