Basal

In botany, the word ‘basal’ is used to describe anything which is at or near the base of a plant stem. For example, it is used in phrases such as:

• Basal plate – the bottom of a compressed stem, such as that which makes up the part of a bulb from which the roots and leaves grow.
• Basal leaves – leaves growing out from the base of the stem.
• Basal cuttings – stem cuttings which are severed at the base of the stem.