dichotomous

adjective

(Gr. dikhotomos: cut in two) Forking into two more or less equal branches resulting from division of the growing point; having or consisting of a pair or pairs; paired. Describing the type of branching in plants that results when the growing point (apical bud) divides into two equal growing points, which in turn divide in a similar manner after a period of growth, and so on. Dichotomous branching is common is ferns and mosses. Cf. bifurcate, pseudodichotomous.