So here is my philosophical question of the day, lol:
Even if its physiologically part of the plant's function, how can leave wilting not be hard on the plant?
As most of us do, I grow a variety of squash. I've noticed that on a regular basis, the same select plants wilt their leaves on unusually hot, sunny days. I know the plants do not need water, as I've just recently watered them. They always bounce back at the end of the day. The squash that do it the most are my butternut squash and my cucumbers; it never happens to my zucchini plant.
I admit I hate watching them do it. I feel for them. My visceral reaction is to want to grab the hose, lol! So while it doesn't happen often (I live in an area impacted by coastal breezes), what if it did? How much of that hot day wilting can a squash plant put up with before it is just too damaging to the leaves which are not getting the water fast enough from the roots? I know if I wilted like that day after day it would definitely take a toll on me...