When I encounter a tree with leaves clustered at the ends of twigs I have trouble determining the leaf arrangement. This happens with Cherries and Crab Apples a lot.
So what is this tree and what is it's leaf arrangement?
Opposite or Alternate?
It apparently is now happening with anonymous Magnolia species.
The leaf arrangement is alternate. You can always refer to the general branching or twig arrangement if the leaf arrangement is unclear. Even on deciduous trees like this in winter, you can look at the buds, twigs, and branches to determine arrangement.
Given the size and conformation of that tree (and fruiting structures), it is probably a Magnolia Śloebneri.
I also grew up with Sesame Street; the fifth image is not like the others.
So twig and leaf arrangements are always the same - that was my next question, thanks.
New branch growth typically occurs at the ends of existing branches on woody plants, and oftentimes from the leaf axils along those branches. This doesn't mean that new branches will grow from every leaf axil. You have to learn to observe where the buds and leaf scars are in order to make that assessment.
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