We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Reptiles

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Cladoptosis?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 7,058
Share

Cladoptosis is a natural process in which shrubs and trees lose their branches. By contrast with an accident or damage to the tree in which a branch is wrenched off, leaving an ugly wound behind, cladoptosis is a controlled branch loss which is initiated by the tree. This process is quite normal in many trees, although excessive cladoptosis can be a sign that trees are distressed, so it is something for gardeners to watch out for.

In the cladoptosis process, the tree identifies a branch which it wants to lose and it begins the process of abscission, growing a layer of specialized tissue where the tree meets the branch which cuts off the vascular supply to the branch. Eventually, the branch dies and falls off, leaving a neat abscission scar behind. The same process is used in trees which lose their leaves.

There are several theories about why trees engage in cladoptosis. Some people theorize that it is done for the same reason that trees lose their leaves: to conserve energy. Cladoptosis is especially common during periods of drought and resource stress, making this theory quite plausible. Unlike deciduous shedding, it can be carried out year-round, making it an excellent adaptive tool for trees which might be struggling to survive in a changing climate.

This process may also be a form of self-pruning. Humans prune trees to shape them, but they also prune them to encourage a healthy pattern of growth, and trees may do the same thing. By shedding branches in a controlled fashion, trees can develop strong trunks and crowns, and reduce the risk of branch loss in winter storms and harsh conditions. Cladoptosis also allows a tree to shed branches in dense areas, allowing light to reach every area of the tree.

Some botanists have theorized that cladoptosis may also be an adaptation to discourage climbing plants. Much as animals shudder to shake off insects, trees may drop branches to dislodge climbing plants like lianas and ivy which can slowly choke trees to death. In the tropics, where climbing plants are especially widespread, cladoptosis is also a very common occurrence, lending some credence to this theory.

Because cladoptosis is natural, it can be difficult to identify when a tree is stressed, and when it is merely shedding branches for health reasons. Gardeners may want to keep an eye on the shedding patterns of the trees in their gardens, taking note if a tree sheds more branches than it normally does and investigating to determine the cause. A tree might not be getting enough nutrients or water, or it might be stressed by climbing vines or animals.

Share
All Things Nature is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a All Things Nature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.allthingsnature.org/what-is-cladoptosis.htm
Copy this link
All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.