Plant StructuresThe pieces and parts of a plant

RootsRoot Systems

The root system under the ground often takes up more space underground then the plant above ground.

Root systems are either taproot or fibrous

Taproots Main root that grows straight down from the

stem Thick, heavy root that does not have many side

or lateral branches. Often used for human and animal consumption Examples: Sugar Beets, carrots, radishes

Taproots have the ability to survive periods of drought. They grow deep and have fine secondary roots and do not stabilize the soil well.

Fibrous Roots Generally thin, somewhat hair like and numerous. Normally very shallow Examples: grasses, corn and begonias Many small, thin branched roots that hold soil

together well, but dry out quickly. Adventitious Roots

Roots that grow above ground that help support a plant, cause it to grow up walls and trees.

Root Cap Protects the tender growing tip of the root as it

pushes through the soil.

Stems First thing you see when you look at a plant Stems support the leaves, flowers and fruit Woody

Made of tough material Often covered with bark

Herbaceous Succulent and somewhat tender Usually do not survive cold climates

Modified Stems Stems that grow along the ground or even

underground. Stems that have specialized jobs to perform

BulbsShort stemsSurrounded by modified leaves called scalesExamples: Easter Lilies and Onions

CormsThickened, compact, fleshy stemsExamples: GladsRhizomes: thick stems that run below the groundExamples: Iris and Johnson Grass

TubersThick, underground stems that store

carbohydratesOften these are food. Potato

General PartsSame internal parts as rootsXylem and Phloem continue from root system

Stem Parts Node

Portion of the stem that is swollen or slightly enlarged where buds and leaves start.

Internode Area between nodes

Axil Angle above a leaf or flower stem and the stalk This is where the axillary buds grows from Axillary buds turn into leaves or branches

Lenticels Pores in the stem that allow gases in and out of plant

Terminal Bud Located at top of stem or branches Vegetative bud: produces stem and leaf growth Flowering Bud: produces flowers

Leaves Leaves manufacture food for the plant Capable of adjusting angle to sun Allow for maximum sunlight exposure This process is called phototropism Leaf Margins

The edges of leaves How plants are identified

Leaf Shape and Form Vary according to species Shape and form used for plant identification

Types of Leaves Simple Leaf-single leaf from stem Compound Leaf-two or more leaves from single

point

Leaf Parts Leaf Blade

Wide Portion Many shapes and sizes

Petiole The stem of the leaf Almost absent or very long

Internal Structure The leaf is the site of photosynthesis Cuticle: waxy protective covering of leaf Epidermis: Skin of the leaf Chloroplast: contains the chlorophyll Stomas: Pores in underside of leaf Guard Cells: Allow pores to open and close Xylem and Phloem continue into leaves

FlowersFlowers are appreciated for their beauty

or fruitA flower’s primary function is to produce

seedsFlower Structure

Male Parts-StamenFilament-supports the antherAnther-manufactures the pollenPollen-male sexual reproductive cell

Female Parts-PistilStigma-receives the pollenStyle-connects the stigma to the ovaryOvary-contains the ovules (eggs)

Perfect Flower Contains male and female parts Imperfect flowers have one or more missing parts

Pollination Union of the pollen with the stigma

Petals Colored to attract insects and birds for pollination

Sepals Protective unit for flower

Calyx What the sepal collectively are called

Fruit Ripening seed in the pistil Pistil enlarges into fruit