Capillary Action
Organic growth hits a ceiling. Capillary action lifts water 1 meter; trees reaching 100 meters need active pumping. Same physics governs startup scaling.
Secondary mechanism for water movement. Water molecules adhere to xylem walls (hydrogen bonding to cellulose), cohere to each other, and 'climb' narrow tubes spontaneously without evaporation. Capillary rise equation: h = (2γ cos θ) / (ρ g r). For xylem-sized tubes (r = 0.02 mm): maximum rise ~0.7 meters (2.3 feet). Limitation: Capillary action alone insufficient for large trees - provides initial lift, transpiration pull provides remaining 90%+. Small plants (mosses, ferns under 1 meter) can rely on capillary action alone.
Business Application of Capillary Action
Passive distribution systems have inherent scale limits. Beyond certain thresholds, active systems become necessary. Recognize when organic/passive growth mechanisms are insufficient and active investment is required.