basal

adjective

(Gr. basis: base) At the base; growing from the base of a stem; used in reference to leaves at the base of the stem; of a placenta, at the base of the ovary. One of the main canes of a rose bush, originating from the bud union. Describing cells at the base or insertion of the leaf, often of different shape and color from those of the main part of the leaf. Syn. basilar. Cf. terminal, distal.