Question

Write a note on the patterns of branching in stem and their significance.

Answer 1

Branching of stem occurs in two main patterns:-

1. Lateral branching.
2. Dichotomous branching.

• Lateral branching:-Branches develop from the main axis laterally from the lateral buds. It is further divided into two major types:-

1. Cymose branching:-It is known as definite branching and the main axis terminates into flower and the growth of axis remains limited.
2. Racemose:-It is known as indefinite branching as the main axis goes on growing and does not terminate into flower.

• Dichotomous branching:-It is the type of branching in which the terminal axis divide into two and each gives rise to a branch. It is further divided into two types:-
  

1. Normal or true dichotomy:-In it the two branches are formed due to dichotomous branching which is equal in dimensions.
2. Sympodial dichotomy:-in it branches grow dichotomous way but are not of equal length one grows but other is suppressed.

It's significance:-

• It helps to form inflorescence of a flower.
• It provides a different pattern to leaves.
• Also show the pattern of axillary buds present on stem.