epinastic
/ˌɛpɪˈnæstɪk/
adjective
- Relating to or describing the downward or outward bending of a plant part (such as a leaf or petal) due to faster growth on its upper side.
- The epinastic movement of the leaves helped the plant capture more sunlight.
- The botanist explained that epinastic curvature is a normal response in many climbing plants.
- Gardeners sometimes observe epinastic growth in seedlings that are exposed to too much moisture.