It seems as though it is a trick question- a little in the vein of chicken or egg. Logically, one knows the sequence in biology. A plant is initiated by seed. Its first appearance is a small root, thrusting its way into the earth's bosom to anchor and drink. Then follows the stem, to thrust upwards, determinedly; then unfold the first leaves, little flags proclaiming, "I'm alive!"
In literal sequence: root→stem→leaf. No leaf without the stem, and no stem without the root.
Then comes the command: "Put it in reverse!" What if one would reverse the logic? What if, in a sense, deeper shorthand holds the seed-line as first? Because one must admit, in a sense, without the photosynthesis performed by leaves, the breathing and food-making processes are entirely unneeded since no plant can ever possess stem, much less leaves. The leaf is the reason the stem matters at all.
There is a point where it becomes philosophical instead. Is it the journey that comes first or the destination? The journey is the first in time; the destination, in meaning, comes before everything- without it, after all, a journey is lost in the winds of aimlessness.
The command "Put it in reverse!" becomes a mental challenge: Never assume a linear order. The last thing to present itself may, in fact, be the very thing that defines everything else.
Perhaps, then, the stem always precedes the leaf in life. But without the leaf that makes the world green, the stem is little more than dry wood.
