In pteridophytes branching is never ……………..

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Pteridophytes**: Pteridophytes are a group of vascular plants that reproduce via spores and do not produce seeds. They include ferns, horsetails, and clubmosses.

2. **Identifying Branching Types**: In plants, branching can occur in different forms. The two primary types of branching are:
- **Axillary Branching**: This occurs when lateral branches grow from the axils of leaves. These branches grow at the tips of the plant or shoot.
- **Dichotomous Branching**: This is a type of branching where the main stem divides into two equal parts, leading to a forked appearance.

3. **Branching in Pteridophytes**: In pteridophytes, axillary branching is absent. Instead, they exhibit dichotomous branching. This means that instead of having branches that grow from the sides (axillary), the branches split into two from the main stem.

4. **Characteristics of Pteridophyte Branching**:
- The branches in pteridophytes are not axillary, which means they do not grow from the leaf axils.
- The leaves in pteridophytes are often reduced in size.
- Pteridophytes typically have rhizomes instead of true roots.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, in pteridophytes, branching is never axillary.

**Final Answer**: In pteridophytes, branching is never axillary.

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