Is windswept tree growth negative thigmotropism?

► Unilateral wind induces asymmetric, windswept growth in trees. ► The windswept growth form is suggestive of a negative thigmotropic growth response. ► The growth form is interpreted as either physiologically or biomechanical in origin. ► Data supports a biomechanical hypothesis for the origin of windswept growth. ► The hypothesis that the windswept grow form is of thigmotropic origin is rejected.