sympodial branching

Sympodial branching is a type of plant growth where the terminal bud ceases to grow, and an axillary bud takes over as the new leader shoot. This results in a branching pattern that often gives plants a candelabra-like appearance. In contrast, monopodial branching involves the terminal bud continuing to grow as the main stem, with lateral branches remaining subordinate. This typically leads to a more pyramidal shape. Some plants, like dogwoods, exhibit a combination of both monopodial and sympodial branching to create diverse tree architectures. Orchids, for example, can display sympodial growth, often characterized by a creeping rhizome stem.12