Atwig is a thin, often short,branch of atree orbush.[1]
The buds on the twig are an important diagnostic characteristic, as are theabscission scars where the leaves have fallen away. The color, texture, and patterning of the twigbark are also important, in addition to the thickness and nature of anypith of the twig.[2]
There are two types of twigs: vegetative twigs andfruiting spurs. Fruiting spurs are specialized twigs that generally branch off the sides of branches and are stubby and slow-growing, with many annularring markings from seasons past. The twig's age and rate of growth can be determined by counting the winter terminal bud scale scars, or annular ring marking, across the diameter of the twig.
Twigs can be useful in starting afire. They can be used askindling wood, bridging the gap between highly flammabletinder (dry grass and leaves) andfirewood. This is due to their high amounts of storedcarbon dioxide used inphotosynthesis.
Twigs are a feature oftool use by non-humans. For example,chimpanzees have been observed using twigs to go "fishing" for termites,[3] and elephants have been reported using twigs to scratch parts of their ears and mouths which could not be reached by rubbing against a tree.[4]