rachis
leaf structure
Quick Summary
The rachis is an axial structure. In botany, it can refer to the elongated axis of an inflorescence or an extension of a compound leaf's petiole that bears leaflets. In the context of a compound leaf, the rachis is the central stem from which leaflets grow. This structure is also found in ferns, where the major midribs of leaves are referred to as rachises and contain well-defined vascular tissues like xylem and phloem.123
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