Cladoptosis

Cladoptosis (

Cladoptosis is thought to have three possible functions: self-pruning (i.e. programmed plant senescence), drought response (characteristic of xerophytes) and liana defence.

• 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 (Thuja plicata) provides an example, as do other members of the family Cupressaceae.
• In tropical forests, infestation of
  bole with no support for climbing plants – may be an adaptation against lianas, as in the case of Castilla
  .

• Abscission
• Marcescence: the opposite phenomenon – withered branches (or leaves) stay on

References

• Cladoptosis in Thuja - UBC Botanical Garden

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