epicotyl
/ˈɛpɪˌkɑtɪl/
noun
- The part of a plant embryo or seedling above the cotyledons (seed leaves), which develops into the stem and leaves.
- The epicotyl grows upward after the seed germinates.
- In bean seedlings, the epicotyl is the first part to emerge from the soil.
- Damage to the epicotyl can prevent the plant from developing a strong stem.
Synonyms