Pronunciation: [mˌɒnə͡ʊpˈə͡ʊdɪəl] (IPA) 
The word "monopodial" is spelled as /mɒnəˈpəʊdiəl/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short 'o' sound, followed by an unstressed schwa sound. The second syllable has a long 'o' sound and the stress falls on the third syllable 'di'. The last syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by 'əl'. Monopodial refers to the way in which certain plants grow, with a single stem that continues to grow indefinitely.
Monopodial is an adjective that describes a certain growth pattern exhibited by certain plants. It is derived from the Greek words "mono" meaning "single" and "pous" meaning "foot". In botanical terms, it refers to the way a plant grows from a single central stem.
Monopodial plants have a single main stem that continues to grow upward and produces leaves and branches at regular intervals along its length. The growth pattern is characterized by the continuous elongation of the main stem, giving the plant a tall and upright appearance. This is in contrast to sympodial plants, which have multiple stems with lateral growth.
The monopodial growth habit is commonly observed in orchids, such as the Phalaenopsis or "moth orchid". These plants have a central stem from which new leaves and flowers emerge. The main stem grows vertically with the leaves and branches forming a spiral pattern around it. This growth pattern allows the plant to maximize exposure to light and efficiently absorb nutrients from the environment.
In addition to orchids, monopodial growth can also be found in other plant species, including some types of ferns and trees. The opposite growth pattern, called sympodial, is more prevalent in herbaceous plants like tomatoes and potatoes.
Overall, the term "monopodial" describes a specific growth pattern where a plant exhibits single central stem growth with regular leaf and branch emergence along its length.
Relating to a monopodium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "monopodial" is derived from two Greek roots: "mono" meaning "single" and "pous" meaning "foot". In botanical terms, "monopodial" refers to the growth pattern of a plant where a single main stem grows continuously from the base, typically producing lateral branches along the sides. This term is commonly used in discussing the growth habits of orchids, trees, and other plants.
