Why are Maranta species called prayer plants?

Maranta species, particularly Maranta leuconeura, are commonly called prayer plants because of their distinct leaf movements. Each evening, the plant folds its leaves upward, resembling hands clasped together in prayer.1234

This behavior is a biological phenomenon known as nyctinasty, a rhythmic movement that occurs in response to changes in light intensity, such as the onset of darkness. The movement is facilitated by a thickened area at the base of the leaf stalk called a pulvinus, which changes cellular turgor pressure to reorient the leaf. In the morning, as light returns, the leaves lower back to a flat position.42