What branching pattern results in a conical shape?

The branching pattern that results in a conical shape is excurrent. This pattern is characterized by a central leader branch that grows upwards, resulting in a conic form as lateral branches tend to be shorter and arise from the sides of the main stem. This arrangement allows light to penetrate the tree more effectively, maximizing photosynthesis and giving the tree a sturdy, pyramidal structure.

In contrast, other branching patterns such as deliquescent exhibit a more rounded form with multiple leaders and a broad canopy, while columnar branching tends to be vertical but does not create the same conical point. Apical refers to growth that occurs at the tip of the plant, but it does not specifically define the overall shape of the branching structure. Therefore, the excurrent pattern is distinctly responsible for creating the conical shape associated with certain tree species.