How Do You Spell EPICORMIC?

1. Epicormic is an adjective that pertains to the growth or development of buds or shoots on the main stem or branches of a plant. It is commonly used in the context of trees or woody plants, describing the ability of dormant or suppressed buds to sprout and give rise to new growth.

   When a tree experiences stress, such as fire, pruning, or disease, it may activate its epicormic buds as a survival mechanism. These buds are usually present beneath the bark, and in normal circumstances, they remain dormant. However, when the tree encounters unfavorable conditions or damage to its aboveground parts, it triggers the release of hormones that stimulate the growth of epicormic shoots.

   The emergence of epicormic growth is often characterized by an abundant production of new shoots or branches on the trunk, branches, or even at the base of the tree. These shoots may vary in size, shape, and direction compared to the tree's original growth pattern. While epicormic growth can aid in the recovery of a damaged tree, it may also have aesthetic implications, potentially altering the tree's shape or canopy density.

   The term "epicormic" is derived from the Latin words "epi," meaning "over" or "upon," and "cormus," referring to "a tree trunk." It serves as a botanical term to describe a specific type of vegetative growth response exhibited by certain plants when faced with adverse conditions or disturbances.

Common Misspellings for EPICORMIC

The word "epicormic" is derived from the combination of two roots: "epi" and "corm".

The prefix "epi" comes from the Greek word "epí" (ἐπί) meaning "upon" or "on", which is often used to indicate "over", "above", or "beyond". In this case, "epi" refers to something occurring or located on the exterior or surface.

The root "corm" comes from the Latin word "cormus" which means "stem" or "trunk". This term is related to the Greek word "kormós" (κορμός) with the same meaning.