The angle between the leaf and stem is called the axil. In trees the leaf scars disappear over time, but on young branches of trees the leaf scars are easy to find. Note the leaf blade and petiole of the leaves. An aspen shoot, showing leaves with leaf blades and petioles. A shoot from an elm tree.
Axillary buds are clearly visible.
The structures to the left are elm fruits. The root anchors the plant in the soil, absorbs water and mineral nutrients from the soil, and often serves for storage. Roots are underground, so people don't think very much about them, but they are very important. Branch Roots Roots do not have leaves or axillary buds Branch roots emerge from the inside of the root Root Hairs Absorption Found just behind growing tip of root Root Cap Protects the delicate tip of the root as it grows through the soil. Found in front of the root apical meristem.