The ontogeny of the shoot and the tendril‐bearing leaf was studied in four species ofSmilaxwhich differ considerably in growth habit. Growth is indeterminate inS. bona‐nox, S. rotundifolia, S. laurifoliaand determinate inS. pumila.Shoot apical organization in all four species is consistent with the tunica‐corpus concept. The number of tunica layers varies from 2 inS. bona‐nox, S. pumila, andS. rotundifoliato 3 (2–4) inS. laurifolia.A primary thickening meristem was observed in 5.laurifolia.Shoot tip abortion involving a cessation of vegetative growth resembling that found in many woody plants occurs inS. pumila.Even though there are distinct differences in growth habit, vigor, and anatomy, the four species share many developmental similarities. Hence, subtle changes in apical ontogeny may be associated with marked differences in habit.