Fig. 6.4-2. Longitudinal section of axillary bud of ash (Fraxinus). This is a well-developed axillary bud whose leaf primordia have developed into bud scales (four are indicated by arrows). Two of the bud scales have their own axillary buds. Look at the central apical meristem: its two youngest leaf primordia project straight upward, but older, more developed leaf primordia curve inward, arching over the apical meristem that produced them. The oldest leaf primordia have matured into bud scales that arch all the way over the apex, protecting it. The bud scales have also produced a large number of hairs, the dark red debris between the bud scales.