Botanical joint

NODE

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In gardening or botany, a "node" is the spot on a plant stem where leaves, branches, or roots grow out—basically the plant’s natural joint. The clue plays on the double meaning of "joint," which can refer to both a connection point (like in anatomy or engineering) and the botanical term. It’s a straightforward definition with a slight twist, relying on the solver to think beyond human or mechanical joints. The answer fits neatly as the technical term for that critical growth point.