Viewing Plant Systematics through a Lens of Plant Compensatory Growth

Abstract

Plant compensatory growth is a phenomenon of exaggerated vegetative growth that occurs in plants as a result of mechanical damage (e.g., cutting or browsing). Because shoots, leaves, and other plant parts grow larger on plants undergoing compensation, they typically fall outside of the normal ranges given in plant identification keys and confuse students who are attempting to classify them. Here, we describe the conundrum faced by students collecting compensatory materials and offer suggestions on how to help students identify their ““plant-in-hand”” and how to seize a teaching moment to examine and explain the underlying processes that lead to this fascinating plant response.