What term describes the angle between two branches or between a branch and the trunk?

The term that accurately describes the angle between two branches or between a branch and the trunk is "crotch." In botanical terminology, a crotch is the space formed where two branches diverge, and it is critical to tree health and structural integrity. The angle of the crotch can influence how well a tree withstands environmental stresses like wind and snow; acute angles may lead to weak attachments that are more prone to failure. Understanding crotch angles is essential for landscape professionals as it helps in making informed decisions about pruning, supporting young trees, or predicting potential hazards associated with mature tree structures.

The other terms relate to different aspects of plant structure: "branching" discusses the general formation of branches, "node" refers to the point on a stem where leaves or branches can arise, and "joint" typically describes a connection point, often in contexts outside of botany.