Cladoptosis

Functions of cladoptosis

• Self-pruning is the shedding of branches that are shaded or diseased, which are potentially a drain on the resources of the tree.
• Drought response is similar to the leaf-fall response of drought-deciduous trees; however, leafy shoots are shed in place of leaves. Western red cedar provides an example, as do other members of the family Cupressaceae.
• In tropical forests, infestation of tree canopies by woody climbers or lianas can be a serious problem. Cladoptosis – by giving a clean bole with no support for climbing plants – may be an adaptation against lianas, as in the case of Castilla.