Monopodial

Monopodial Continuing growth from a terminal bud each year. Mucilaginous ...

Next you would learn about the two classes of orchid growth -- sympodial and monopodial. Sympodial describes those producing a number of new stems, which have flowers, leaves and roots, resulting in lateral growth of the plant over time.

Monopodial orchids have a single, upright stem, with leaves arranged opposite each other along the stem. The flower stem appears from the base of the uppermost leaves. Orchids with this growth habit include the phalaenopsis and vandas.

Orchids have two vegetative growth types, monopodial and sympodial. Monopodial growth refers to shoots that grow in only one direction, usually vertical. Click picture to enlarge ...

Their growth form can be monopodial, growing from one point upward or sympodial, growing from rhizomes. Not surprisingly the Australian aborigines used these plants for different purposes.

See also: Growing, Plant, Flower, Produce, Light