How is the Mendacity Tree an example of personification?

Personification is a common literary device, and the Mendacity Tree could be considered one example of this device, though the plant is apparently a thinking entity with the ability to react to people and other stimuli. One example appears when Faith brings Agatha and Crock into the cave for the first time. Faith notices that there is an instant connection between Agatha and the Mendacity Tree. She also notices that Crock flinches “whenever a vine stroked his face” (361). The specific wording indicates that the tree is moving of its own accord, rather than reacting to outer forces, such as the wind. While that would be unusual in most cases, the supernatural aspect of this plant means most readers will accept that the tree is moving on its own.