cladoptosis

[ klad-op-toh-sis, kley-dop- ]
/ ˌklæd ɒpˈtoʊ sɪs, ˌkleɪ dɒp- /

noun Botany.

the annual shedding of twigs or branches instead of leaves, as in certain cypresses.

Origin of cladoptosis

First recorded in 1880–85; clado- + ptosis