In
botany
Botany, also called plant science (or plant sciences), plant biology or phytology, is the science of plant life and a branch of biology. A botanist, plant scientist or phytologist is a scientist who specialises in this field. The term "bot ...
, available space theory (also known as first available space theory) is a theory used to explain why most plants have an alternating
leaf pattern on their
stems. The theory states that the location of a new leaf on a stem is determined by the physical space between existing leaves. In other words, the location of a new leaf on a growing stem is directly related to the amount of space between the previous two leaves. Building on ideas first put forth by Hoffmeister in 1868, Snow and Snow hypothesized in 1947 that leaves sprouted in the first available space on the stem.
See also
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Repulsion theory In botany, Repulsion theory is a theory that is used to explain how plants regulate the distance between new budding leaves on a stem. The theory states that each leaf on a stem secretes a substance that inhibits growth of a new leaf. A new leaf wi ...
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Phyllotaxis
In botany, phyllotaxis () or phyllotaxy is the arrangement of leaves on a plant stem. Phyllotactic spirals form a distinctive class of patterns in nature.
Leaf arrangement
The basic arrangements of leaves on a stem are opposite and alternat ...
References
Botany
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