What defines a plant's overall shape and direction of growth?

The overall shape and direction of a plant's growth are primarily influenced by its branching pattern. This pattern determines how the plant spreads out, which ultimately shapes its architecture. For example, a plant with a more upright branching structure will have a different overall form compared to one that has a spreading or weeping branching pattern. The manner in which branches grow—whether they grow vertically, horizontally, or at angles—affects the plant's light exposure, access to resources, and ability to compete with other plants, which in turn influences its shape.

While the type of roots can contribute to a plant's stability and nutrient uptake, and leaf arrangement is important for photosynthesis and light capture, it is the branching pattern that specifically defines the three-dimensional structure of the plant. Flowering types mainly affect reproductive strategies rather than the overall growth shape, making them less relevant in defining plant morphology. Thus, the branching pattern is the most critical factor in determining how a plant grows and takes shape.