Which stage is NOT a stage of plant growth?

The stage described as flowering is an essential part of the plant life cycle, rather than a stage that can be excluded. Flowering represents a crucial phase where plants develop flowers, which are vital for reproduction. During this stage, pollination occurs, leading to the potential formation of seeds and fruits.

The other stages, such as seedling, maturity, and seed production, also encompass significant aspects of a plant's life cycle. Seedlings represent young plants that are just starting to grow, maturity indicates the phase where the plant is fully developed and capable of reproduction, and seed production refers to the stage where plants produce seeds for the next generation. Each of these stages highlights a distinct and necessary part of a plant's growth and development, while flowering is inherently about the reproductive process rather than a standalone stage in the traditional growth hierarchy.