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How do long shoots and spur shoots differ on a ginkgo tree?
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Gymnosperm
Pine cone and exposed seeds of the pinyon pine (Pinus edulis). Pinyon pines are gymnosperms and bear their edible seeds, known as pine nuts, in protective cones instead of fruit.
On a Ginkgo tree, the distinction between long shoots and spur (short) shoots is a fundamental aspect of its growth habit and morphology:
- Growth and Development: Long shoots are responsible for the tree's primary extension, producing leaves during the spring growth period. In contrast, spur shoots are lateral branches that grow much more slowly; after several years, they develop into short, stubby outgrowths from the stem. While the vascular cambium in long shoots produces significant secondary xylem (wood) with well-defined growth rings, the activity in spur shoots is limited, resulting in only a small amount of soft wood each year.12
- Leaf Production: Leaves on long shoots are typically produced individually during spring growth and are often divided by a deep sinus into two lobes. Spur shoots, however, form clusters of leaves in subsequent years. The degree of leaf lobing also differs; bilobed and undivided leaves are commonly found on spur branches, whereas leaves on the upper parts of long branches are more frequently divided.1
- Reproduction: Reproductive structures, including both pollen-producing strobili and ovules, are restricted to the spur branches.21