Semi-dormant
/seh-mee-DOR-munt/🧑🌾 Cultivation●● Intermediate
A plant phase where metabolic processes slow significantly but do not cease entirely. Unlike full dormancy, a semi-dormant plant may retain some green tissue, continue slow root growth, or respond to brief warm spells. This state is common during mild winters or summer drought when conditions are unfavourable but not extreme enough to trigger complete shutdown.
Etymology
Latin semi- (half) + dormire (to sleep)
Example
“During extended dry spells, the lawn enters a semi-dormant state, turning brown but recovering quickly with rain.”