A plant stem separating apparatus for separating a stem from plant portionsextending from the stem is provided. The plant stem separating apparatusincludesa cutter, and first and second rollers. The cutter includes a blocking memberandapertures defined therein. The apertures are sized for receiving the stemtherethrough and the blocking member is positioned and configured for blockingapassage of the plant portions through one of the apertures. The first andsecondrollers define an engagement region therebetween downstream of the apertureforreceiving the stem, and are drivable to rotate in opposite directions in aforwardfeeding mode to grab the stem at the engagement region and pull the stemthroughthe aperture, such that the plant portions are retained upstream of theblockingmember while the stem is pulled through the aperture, thereby causingdisengagement of the plant portions from the stem.
