Comparative analysis of generative shoots in temperate trees and herbs

Constructive units formed during one visible growth cycle are useful for the analyses of shoot systems both in woody and herbaceous temperate plants. I suggest casting a constructive unit formed during one visible growth cycle and comprised of a stem, leaves, buds and flowers as a generative complex, instead of the formerly used vague definition of «generative shoot». I argue that both woody and herbaceous plants produce the same types of generative complexes, however their frequency and appearance depend on the life form. The temporal criterion of a growth rhythm used in the «generative complex» definition enables to find comparable constructive units for correct morphological comparisons in plants.