adjective
- growing or oriented at an angle to the vertical, especially in response to gravity
Usage: botanical; technical
Examples
- The plagiotropic branches of the pine tree grew horizontally from the main trunk.
- Many fruit trees have plagiotropic growth patterns that help maximize sunlight exposure.
- The botanist studied the plagiotropic response of the seedlings to gravitational forces.
- Plagiotropic stems often develop differently from vertical shoots.
- The plant’s plagiotropic orientation allowed it to spread across the forest floor.
- Researchers observed plagiotropic growth in several species of tropical vines.