Growth, Architecture, and Branching Plants are often grouped according to their branching structure. The growth and branching of plants has been compared to foraging behavior in animals. In other words, plants grow in ways that enable them to seek out the best food and habitat. Since light is the major source of energy for plants, they often grow toward light to increase their light-gathering ability. Because the tulip tree does not bend towards light, its stem is very straight.
Roots often grow geotropically to reach the water table.
The lateral branches of a tree are often plagiotropic. Characterized by vertical growth. The main shoot of a tree is often orthotropic.