Ye the branches (υμεις τα κληματα). Jesus repeats and applies the metaphor of verse John 15:1.

Apart from me (χωρις εμου). See Ephesians 2:12 for χωρις Χριστου. There is nothing for a broken off branch to do but wither and die. For the cosmic relation of Christ see John 1:3 (χωρις αυτου).