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.