phytosemiotics

Phytosemiotics is a branch of biosemiotics that studies the sign processing capabilities present in plants. Some functions that plants perform that utilize this simple semiosis includes cellular recognition, plant perception, intercellular communication, and plant signal transduction. Comparative to the sign processing present in animals and humans, phytosemiotics occurs at the cellular level, with communication between the cells of plants acting as a means of observing their surroundings and making rudimentary decisions.

== History == The term 'phytosemiotics' was introduced by German psychologist and semiotician Martin Krampen, in 1981. After participating in an experiment involving a subject living in a plant-filled greenhouse, Krampen became interested in the semiotic processing capabilities of plants. After consulting with the works of Jakob von Uexküll, in particular his 'Theory of Meaning', Krampen further developed this concept and eventually wrote "Phytosemiotics", the first essay covering the topic.