Petiole vs new stem?

10 years ago

Here is example of one I have question about. How can a tell a new leaf from a new stem? Thanks!

I'm fairly certain this is a photo of two smaller branches coming off the main branch and the leaves are simple here. But I would like some more concrete evidence than just "that's how it looks to me." I read new leaves always have auxiliary buds (unless they fall off) and that is their identifying characteristic; however, there appears to be auxiliary buds at the new stem and at the new leaf which could mean the presence of auxiliary buds does not automatically indicate a new leaf.

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Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
simply my observation.. fwiw ... is look to bark changes.. each season it changes, as it matures .... so you should be able to track back.. and see last years growth ... and how it grew out ....

on that newer branch.. i see 2 sets of opposite buds ...

if you were hand pruning ... you could cut above either set ... and trigger new shoots .. at the appropriate time of year ...

it took me a long time.. to figure out how to read.. back in time .. with the plant that was in front of my face ... and this is a life lesson.. rather than the peeps here just giving you the specific answer you ask ... which they will ...

its early.. im still foggy.. hope this makes sense .. lol ...

ken
plantid1
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Okay maybe I found answer: A petiole has either leaf blade or leaflet blade at the end of it. A stem has a terminal bud at the end of it.
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Embothrium
10 years ago
Not all kinds produce terminal buds. A petiole is a leaf stalk. Leaves - including the leaf stalks - grow on stems. Stem is basically another word for branch.
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
10 years ago
Yes - as Embothrium says. A petiole is a leaf stalk. On deciduous plants the petiole drops in winter just as the leaf does. Stems/twigs/branches are permanent.

Leaves and petioles don't have axillary (sp) buds. The grow from axillary buds (or terminal buds). I think you are making this more complicated than it need be.

BTW the plant in your picture is a Forsythia. The axillary buds can produce leaves or flowers. Axillary just means it grows in the leaf axil i.e. the angle between leaf and twig.