Sympodial growth

• Title

  Sympodial growth

• Definition

  Referring to a branching pattern in which the terminal bud ceases to grow and growth is continued from a lateral bud; e.g., in most arborescent Combretaceae and some orchids. Sympodial growth often gives a zig-zag appearence to the stem or branches.

• *For more educational content, please visit The Hand Lens and explore our herbarium collections and the stories they tell.