1. the arrangement of leaves on a stem or axis of a plant
Usage: also spelled phyllotaxis; botanical term

Examples

• The phyllotaxy of the maple tree shows leaves arranged in an opposite pattern.
• Botanists study phyllotaxy to understand how plants optimize light exposure.
• Different species exhibit distinct phyllotaxy patterns, from alternate to whorled arrangements.
• The spiral phyllotaxy observed in sunflowers follows a mathematical sequence.
• Understanding phyllotaxy helps gardeners predict how a plant will grow and develop.