Decurrent trees are described as having which characteristics?

Decurrent trees are described as having which characteristics?

• A. Strong apical control, central leader
• B. No apical control and multiple leaders
• C. Excurrent crown form
• D. Weak apical control, no strong central leader and diffuse crown

Answer: (D)

Decurrent trees spread growth more diffusely with multiple leaders rather than one dominant shoot. This means there is weak apical control and no single strong central leader, resulting in a broad, diffuse crown. That combination—weak apical dominance plus no strong central leader and a spreading crown—is the essence of decurrent form, which is why it’s the best description here. In contrast, an excurrent habit has strong apical control and a prominent central leader, forming a narrow, pyramidal crown, which is not characteristic of decurrent trees. A description claiming no apical control ignores the remaining influence of apical dominance, and would misfit the typical decurrent pattern.

Decurrent trees spread growth more diffusely with multiple leaders rather than one dominant shoot. This means there is weak apical control and no single strong central leader, resulting in a broad, diffuse crown. That combination—weak apical dominance plus no strong central leader and a spreading crown—is the essence of decurrent form, which is why it’s the best description here. In contrast, an excurrent habit has strong apical control and a prominent central leader, forming a narrow, pyramidal crown, which is not characteristic of decurrent trees. A description claiming no apical control ignores the remaining influence of apical dominance, and would misfit the typical decurrent pattern.