Brachyaxis

/bræk.iˈæk.sɪs/ noun

Definition

A shortened or compressed main axis or stem, particularly in botanical structures where growth is limited along the primary axis.

Etymology

From Greek brachys (short) + Latin axis, literally meaning 'short axis,' used in botany to describe condensed growth patterns.

Kelly Says

Plants sometimes cheat at growing tall by making their main stem super compact—like bonsai trees that naturally stay small, brachyaxis describes how some species evolved to save energy by not stretching upward.

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