also: おやき
noun
stock; understock; rootstock
Horticultural term for the rooted plant onto which a scion is grafted. Used in gardening, fruit tree cultivation, and plant propagation.
このバラは親木が強いので、育てやすい。
This rose is easy to grow because its rootstock is strong.
果樹の親木を選ぶときは、病害虫に強い品種を選びます。
When choosing a rootstock for fruit trees, select a variety resistant to pests and diseases.
Compound of 親 (oya, 'parent') and 木 (ki, 'tree'), literally 'parent tree'. The reading おやぎ is a standard rendaku form.