The term Phyllotaxy refers to the pattern of:

The term 'phyllotaxy' (or phyllotaxis) is derived from the Greek words 'phyllon' (leaf) and 'taxis' (arrangement). It refers specifically to the spatial pattern and distribution in which leaves are attached to a plant's stem or axis. This arrangement is critical for maximizing photosynthetic efficiency by ensuring optimal sunlight exposure and minimizing self-shading among leaves. Botanists classify phyllotaxy into several main types based on the number of leaves at each node: alternate (one leaf per node), opposite (two leaves per node), and whorled (more than two leaves per node). While the term can occasionally describe the regular arrangement of other lateral organs like scales or florets in mathematical models, its primary botanical definition and most common usage refer to the arrangement of leaves [1].

Sources

1. [1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6408360/