The\xa0axillary bud\xa0(or lateral\xa0bud) is an embryonic or organogenic\xa0shoot\xa0located in the axil of a leaf. Each\xa0bud\xa0has the potential to form shoots, and may be specialized in producing either vegetative shoots (stems and branches) or reproductive shoots (flowers).\xa0Their\xa0main function\xa0is to provide support to the plant, holding leaves, flowers, and\xa0buds; in some cases, stems also store food for the plant. An\xa0axillary bud\xa0is usually found in the axil (the area between the base of a leaf and the stem) where it can give rise to a branch or a flower.