There are evolutionary mechanisms that let many plants excrete foul tasting or smelling compounds when they’re alerted to nearby danger, from their other leaves being eaten, or those nearby that release warning compounds.

Plants also work in tandem with fungus and other microbial life to sort of message needs to get support for survival, possibly defense as well.

I think people liken it to human consciousness because that's what they know, but I think most people understand that's an abstraction and the reality is much more sciencey and nuanced

Paywall so I can't actually read the whole article but from the abstract:

Based on a survey of the brain anatomy, functional complexity, and behaviors of a broad spectrum of animals, criteria were established for the emergence of consciousness.

"We've drawn an arbitrary line around 'consciousness' and have decided what's on either side" isn't exactly the concrete dismissal they seem to think it is.

Plant psychology 🤣

Plants absolutely "feel" things, they can sense gravity and the sun, some plants respond directly to touch (Venus flytrap, shameplant), there's tons of research on their ability to "hear" (check out buzz pollination and beach evening primrose, super interesting). They have vibrational and chemical communication abilities we're only just beginning to understand. If you mean they don't feel human emotions, well yeah, they're not human. But to say they don't feel is simply inaccurate.

It might be (is!) a scam but at least we got some good music out of it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevie_Wonder%27s_Journey_Through_%22The_Secret_Life_of_Plants%22

Alternatively it can be to store more energy in the roots.

Spring forth, loyal protector, and save me!