What is an epicormic shoot?

An epicormic shoot is specifically defined as a shoot that arises from a dormant bud, usually located on the trunk or larger branches of a tree. These buds can remain inactive for extended periods and may be triggered to grow due to specific environmental conditions, such as stress from damage, pruning, or changes in sunlight exposure.

When a tree experiences such stressors, it may initiate the growth of these dormant buds as a means of recovery or to capitalize on available resources, thus allowing for new growth. This adaptive response is crucial for trees as it can help them recover from injury or to renew their foliage after significant loss.

The other options describe different aspects of tree growth or condition but do not define an epicormic shoot. Newly formed tissue from root systems refers to root development and does not relate to shoots, while a mature branch from an existing tree describes a fully developed part of the tree rather than new growth emerging from dormant buds. Deadwood, which refers to branches that have died but remain attached to the tree, is also unrelated to the concept of epicormic shoots.