Describing an opposite leaf arrangement where successive pairs of leaves are rotated 90 degrees from each other, creating a cross-like pattern when viewed from above. This arrangement maximizes light exposure for all leaves.
From Latin 'decussatus' meaning 'arranged in the form of an X,' from 'decussis' meaning 'the number ten' (represented by an X in Roman numerals). The botanical term was established in the 19th century to describe this specific geometric arrangement.
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