So with the fan leaves incapable of harnessing enough light... especially as the autumn comes in. The plant creates glands, or organs that we know as trichomes to help do a better job.

These early glands/trich's help magnify the rays of the sun, so the plant has access to a more intense light source. Not only that, but at an essential time of development. Now the plant can grow much bigger during the flowering period, or when the sun is at its lessening intensity. This is not about nature controlling the plant's growth, but about the plant getting the best out of what nature has to offer.

Once low light levels (ie, moonlight) are put in motion, the plant uses the light stored throughout the day to continue growth rates, and produce new fresh trichomes in preparation for whatever sunlight might be available the next day.