Citation
Sprouting in temperate trees: A morphological and ecological review
TL;DR
Dormant buds embedded in trunk/branches activate after damage
Comprehensive review of epicormic sprouting mechanisms - how dormant buds hidden beneath bark activate after damage. Del Tredici's synthesis explains why some trees regenerate vigorously after cutting or fire while others cannot.
The research illuminates how latent capabilities (dormant buds = hidden talent, suppressed initiatives) can emerge rapidly when dominant structures are removed - directly applicable to organizational restructuring.
Key Findings from Tredici (2001)
- Dormant buds embedded in trunk/branches activate after damage
- Sprouting visible within days to weeks
- Energy drawn from stored carbohydrates in trunk/branches
- Intense fire (>600°C) kills dormant buds, preventing regeneration