Plant Functions

Botany
Why Plants Develop Variegation

Why Plants Develop Variegation

Variegation in plants is highly sought after in the horticultural and houseplant community. These plants, with unusual colors in splotches across the leaves, are considered unique and often find their way into the houseplant community. But what causes variegation, and why do plants develop it in the first place?

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Botany
How Plants Reach for the Sun: Phototropism

How Plants Reach for the Sun: Phototropism

One of the earliest questions in botany was how plants knew where the sun was, and how they grew towards the light. With more attention on the plant world, it was found that all plants - not just sunflowers - reached for the sun.

This phenomenon is called phototropism, and in this HerbSpeak article, you will learn why plants experience phototropism, how it works, the effects of different types of light, and much more.

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Botany
How Do Plants Absorb Water?

How Do Plants Absorb Water?

Have you ever wondered how a great redwood can bring water from its roots to its leaves? It can seem like a simple process for a small shrub or food crop, but the uptake and transport of water that defies gravity is a feat of natural engineering.

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Botany
Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

This process takes place across the globe, but climates that receive a healthy mix of all seasons are the most likely to have “peak fall foliage.” Areas with mild winters are less likely to have colors as vibrant as leaves need less preparation for the cold weather. So, why do leaves change color in the fall for these peak foliage areas of the world?

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