Stem

• Title

  Stem

• Definition

  The main ascending axis of a plant.

• Notes

  Because all species of Lecythidaceae have the tree growth form, the trunk (same as bole) is the stem which we do not use to describe Lecythidaceae. We suggest that stem be used for the name of the primary branch of herbaceous plants. We consider all axes of a species of Lecythidaceae between the trunk and the twigs to be called a branch. A branch that arises from the trunk is the secondary branch, the next is the tertiary branch, and the last is called a twig. Twigs are branches that bear the leaves. Twig diameter is measured under the proximal leaf of the twig.

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