sympodium

An apparent axis that develops when growth occurs by means of lateral branches rather than continuing along the principal stem, often having a zigzag or irregular form.

In botany, an axis or stem which imitates a simple stem, but is made up of the bases of a number of axes which arise successively as branches one from another. The grape-vine furnishes a perfect example. Compare monopodium and dichotomy. Also called pseudo-axis.

An axis or stem produced by dichotomous branching in which one of the branches is regularly developed at the expense of the other, as in the grapevine.

A pattern of branching, similar to dichotomous branching.