monopodial

Monopodial refers to a plant growth form characterized by a single, continuously elongating main axis that grows from the apical tip. In monopodial growth, leaves or lateral shoots may arise from the main stem along its length, but the primary axis persists and does not end with the production of a terminal inflorescence; when reproduction occurs, it typically arises along the existing stem rather than creating a new main shoot.

This growth pattern contrasts with sympodial growth, where the main axis ceases growth after a period and is replaced by a series of de novo shoots or segments. The distinction helps describe the architecture of many flowering plants and is especially emphasized in orchid biology.

In horticulture and orchidology, monopodial growth is most familiar from orchids that grow from a single apical bud. Such plants form an upright stem with leaves attached alternately along it and typically lack pronounced pseudobulbs. Classic examples include Phalaenopsis and Vanda orchids, which maintain a single growing point throughout their life.

The term is also used more broadly for monocotyledonous trees and palms that develop along a single growing axis, though the architecture varies among taxa. In contrast, many other orchids, including Cattleya and Oncidium, exhibit sympodial growth. See also sympodial, orchid morphology, plant growth habit.