Circumnutation

/ˌsɜːrkənuːˈteɪʃən/ noun

Definition

Circular or spiral motion, especially the spiral growth movement exhibited by climbing plants and plant stems.

Etymology

From circumnutate + -tion suffix. Scientific term combining Latin roots to describe plant movement patterns.

Kelly Says

Plant circumnutation is powered by differential growth rates on different sides of the stem—one side grows faster than the other, causing the spiral. It's pure biology engineering without any brain directing it!

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