Scion: A detached living portion of a plant, such as a bud or shoot, used for grafting onto another plant (the stock).
Think of a scion as a plant cutting, like a VIP guest invited to join another plant’s party. It’s the top part of a graft, chosen for its desirable qualities, like delicious fruit or beautiful flowers. Imagine it’s like selecting the best actor for a starring role in a plant production.
In a home garden, scions are crucial for grafting, a technique used to combine the best traits of two plants. It’s like plant matchmaking, where you pair a scion with a vigorous rootstock (the stock) to create a super-plant. For example, you might graft a scion from a flavorful apple variety onto a disease-resistant rootstock. It’s like creating a plant with the best of both parents.
The success of a graft depends on a good match between the scion and the stock, as well as precise cuts and careful wrapping. It’s like performing delicate plant surgery. Once the graft heals, the scion will grow and produce its characteristic fruit or flowers, while the stock provides a strong foundation. It is like building a house with a strong base and a beautiful roof.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as health, wellness or nutrition advice. Please see our full disclaimers here.
« Back to Glossary Index