stämregrowth

Stämregrowth is a botanical process in which a plant generates new stem tissue after damage, pruning, or the loss of the main stem. Regrowth can originate from latent buds located along the remaining stem, at the stump, or from root-origin shoots that emerge as epicormic or coppice sprouts. The new growth resumes photosynthesis and can eventually restore stem function and form, though the structure and wood quality may differ from the original stem.

Mechanism: Regrowth is driven by meristematic tissue in the cambium and latent buds. Hormonal signals (auxins, cytokinins, and other growth regulators) and carbohydrate reserves determine where shoots emerge and how vigorously they grow. Environmental conditions, plant species, and age influence the likelihood and rate of regrowth.

Types: Epicormic growth arises from buds scattered on the stem; coppice regrowth comes from the base or stump after cutting; suckering can produce shoots from the root system. In some systems, such as forestry with coppicing, regrowth is a desired resource.

Factors: Species and cultivar, prior canopy size, pruning severity and timing, season, soil fertility and moisture, and light availability all affect regrowth.

Applications and implications: In horticulture and arboriculture, controlled stämregrowth is used to shape trees, maintain hedges, or recover after damage. In forestry, coppicing relies on predictable regrowth. Uncontrolled regrowth can lead to weak-wooded shoots or increased management costs.