ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Abscisic acid

Abscisic acid is a special chemical that plants can make to help them survive when things get tough. When it's very hot, very dry or very cold outside, plants start to feel stressed out. They can't move around like animals or put on a coat to keep warm, so they have to come up with other ways to survive. That's where abscisic acid comes in!

Abscisic acid helps plants slow down their growth and conserve water. It tells the plant to stop using as much water and energy to grow new leaves or flowers, and instead focus on just keeping the basic parts of the plant alive. This conserves resources and helps the plant last longer in tough conditions.

Think of it like a superhero power for plants - when things get tough, abscisic acid swoops in to save the day!