"Small buds" refers to small, undeveloped or young parts of a plant that have the potential to grow into larger, more mature buds or flowers. Full definition
During the first stages of a male kitten's life, their nipples are only small buds that form in two rows. (tinpaw.com)
Put individual leaves in small bud vases to draw attention to their unique details. (bhg.com)
Scientists are using pluripotent stem cells — the master cells that make any cell in the body — to create small buds of brain, thymus, liver, intestine, eye or kidney tissue that replicate some of the functions we find in these organs. (closerlookatstemcells.org)