One application of gibberellic acid (GA3) to Xanthium shoots resulted in an initial large stimulation, followed by inhibition, of internode elongation. After presumed translocation of the hormone from the locus of its application to the stem apex several morphological changes were observed. There was a significant increase in number of mitotic figures in the apical meristem and a twofold increase in volume of the apical dome. With time, the rate of leaf production was accelerated about 1.8 times. The phyllotaxis of leaf primordia initiated under the influence of GA:, changed from a (2, 3) contact parastichy pattern in control shoot to a (3, 5) pattern. Final petiole length was smaller than the control, and the absolute rate of lamina expansion decreased under prolonged treatment. Gibberellic acid had a pronounced effect on leaf morphology. GAa induced the development of lanceolate leaves instead of typical deltoid leaves. The reduction in leaf area coincided with a 32% reduction in the average area of epidermal cells. Plastochron changes were correlated with anatomical and morphological changes during the course of leaf development.

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English ivy (Hedera helix) plants were assessed for the applicability of the plastochron index (PI). Juvenile ivy satisfied all requirements for the use of the PI and showed a plastochron of 4.23 days. Mature ivy grown under long day conditions flowered after 11–12 leaves. Two distinct groups of leaves were produced with different plastochrons (0.83 and 3.2 days, respectively) and leaf morphologies. Long‐day‐grown ivy did not satisfy the requirements for the use of the PI. Short‐day‐grown mature ivy continued production of leaves beyond the 12th leaf. Vegetative growth was perpetuated for at least 25 plastochrons. By 19 plastochrons (ca. 41 days after budbreak) a linear PI vs. time relationship was established with a plastochron of 3.16 days. This newly acquired ability to maintain vegetative growth in mature ivy plants may allow a direct comparison with the vegetative indeterminant juvenile in order to assess possible anatomical factors responsible for phase stability and phase change using the PI as a basis for comparison.

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