Terminal: Located at the end or tip of a stem or branch, often referring to a bud or flower.
Think of a terminal bud as the plant’s “head honcho,” leading growth. It’s the bud at the very tip of a stem and is usually the most dominant. Imagine a rose bush with a large, beautiful bloom at the end of a long stem–a terminal flower.
Understanding terminal buds is important for pruning and shaping plants in a home garden. If you pinch off the terminal bud, you’ll encourage the plant to branch out and become bushier. This is a common technique for creating fuller, more compact plants. Also, when you see a “terminal flower,” it is at the end of the growth of that stem. Once that flower fades, the stem’s growth is done.
Ultimately, the terminal bud is like the plant’s control center, directing its growth and development. It reminds us that even the smallest bud can have a big impact on the overall shape and size of a plant.
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