Name: Kurt Woodbridge , Va (Zone 7a) Jai guru deva om
I am sure , much like our own immune system (red blood cells and such) , much of the plant's "behavior" is done at a cellular level , individual parts hardwired to help protect and propagate the whole.
A pint can't hold a quart , If it is holding a pint it is doing the best that it can.
and it is written ,
if the evil spirit arms the tiger with claws , brahman provided wings for the dove.