Abstract: Different stem sections, made by injection plastic molding or other manufacturing processes are assembled to produce an artificial plant. Some of the sections resemble sections of natural plant stems from which artificial leaves or flowers extend. Other sections are spacers. Each section is formed with a bore, dimensioned to receive a common wire. The upper end of the wire receives a flower head molded or otherwise adhered thereon. One end of each section is formed with a reduced external diameter plug and the opposite end with an enlarged internal diameter bore or socket. Hence adjacent sections are threaded on the wire from the bottom up and detachably, and preferably rotatably, joined together by inserting the plug of one section into the socket of the next. The structure at the upper end of the plant varies depending on what, if any, natural plant is being imitated. In a typical embodiment, the upper end section receives the upper end of the wire and has a style and stigma.

Abstract: A pedestal stand for supporting an object with a post, such as an artificial tree with a trunk, substantially upright on a support surface. The pedestal stand includes first and second planar leg members slidably interconnected to form a hub with a socket. Each leg member includes first and second opposite legs which extend radially from the hub and are adapted to rest on the support surface. A receptacle is adapted and shaped to snugly receive the post. The receptacle is slidably and concentrically nested in a substantially upright position within the socket and is readily removable from the socket. In another aspect of the invention, the disassembled pedestal stand and a collapsed artificial tree are enclosed in a package for shipping. The leg members lie in juxtaposition to each other in the package, and the ends of the trunk substantially abut the ends of the package. The receptacle is disposed on the butt end of the tree trunk preventing the butt end from rupturing the package.