Nyctinasty
A plant's daily movement of leaves or flowers in response to day and night.
What is it?
Nyctinasty is the movement of plants that happens at certain times of day. Many plants close their leaves or flowers at night and open them during the day. The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a good example. At night, its leaves fold upward like praying hands. This movement is caused by changes in light. Special cells at the base of the leaves swell or shrink, making the leaves move.
Why it matters
Nyctinasty helps plants survive. Closing leaves at night can protect them from cold or from losing too much water. It also helps the plant save energy.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more plants with nyctinasty.
