thigmotropism
/ˌθɪɡməˈtroʊpɪzəm/
noun
- The growth or movement of a plant in response to physical contact with an object.
- Thigmotropism allows vines to wrap around a trellis as they grow.
- Gardeners use thigmotropism to train climbing plants along fences.
- The tendrils of the pea plant exhibit thigmotropism when they touch a support.