Getting to Know Plants
Plants
can be classified on the basis of their height, stem and branches. On
these parameters, plants can be of three types, viz. herbs, shrubs and
tree.
- Herbs: Herbs are small plants which have soft stem. Examples: Wheat, paddy, cabbage, grass, coriander, etc.
- Shrubs: These are bushy and medium- sized plants plant and they are somewhat bigger than herbs. Their branches start from just above the ground. Examples: Lemon, Coriander, Henna, Rose, etc.
- Tree: These are tall and large plants with hard and woody stem. A single main-stem arises from the ground. The main-stem is called trunk. The trunk gives out many branches at certain height. The branches carry leaves, flowers and fruits. Examples: Mango, banyan, acacia, coconut, poplar, willow, etc.
Creepers-
Plants with weak stem that cannot stand upright and spread on the
ground are called creepers. Examples: Pumpkin, Watermelon, sweet potato,
etc.
Climber- Plants with weak stem that needs support is called climber. Examples: Grapevine, money-plant, cucumber, bean, etc.
Structure of a typical plant: A typical plant contains two main parts, viz. roots and stem. The stem bears leaves, flowers and fruits.
Root- The underground part of a plant is called root. It is usually pale in colour.
The root system consists of two types of root.
- Tap root- This is composed of a main root which grows from the base of the stem. Many branches and sub-branches come out of the main root (tap root). Examples: pea, radish, carrot, mango, marigold, mustard etc.
- Fibrous root- In this type, a cluster of thin fibre-like roots arise from the base of the stem. These roots spread out in the soil. Examples: Maize, grass, wheat, millet, etc.
Functions of roots-
- Roots hold the plant firmly in the soil and thus provide anchorage to the plant.
- Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil.
Stem- Stem
usually grows above the ground. The stem makes the main structural
framework of the plant. The stem bears leaves, branches, buds, flowers
and fruits. The point from where branches or leaves grow is called node.
The portion of a stem between two consecutive nodes is called the
internode.
Functions of the stem
- The stem gives structural support to the plant.
- It bears branches, leaves, flowers and fruits.
- The stem carries water and minerals from the roots to different parts of the plant.
- Stem gets modified for food storage in some plants, e.g. potato, ginger, turmeric, etc.
Leaf: The
leaf is a thin, flat and green structure which arises from the node of
the stem. The green colour of leaves is due to the presence of
chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green-coloured pigment. The flat green
portion of the leaf is called leaf-blade or lamina. The leaf is attached
to the stem by a short stalk; called petiole.
Venation: Arrangement
of veins in a leaf is called venation. When the veins make a network
like structure, it is called reticulate venation, e.g. leaves of banyan,
mango, jackfruit, etc. When the veins run parallel to each other, it is
called parallel venation, e.g. leaves of paddy, wheat, grass, etc.
Stomata – There
are many small openings on the lower surface of a leaf. These are
called stomata. Stomata allow gases to enter or exit the leaf. Unwanted
water is also removed through stomata; in the form of water vapour.
Transpiration-
Loss of water vapour from plants through stomata and lenticels is
called transpiration. A major portion of transpiration happens through
stomata.
Functions of Leaves:
Photosynthesis-
This is the main function of a leaf. Plants prepare food from carbon
dioxide and water; in the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight. This
process is called Photosynthesis.
Breathing: Stomata in leaves also facilitate breathing by leaves.
Flower- Flower is the most beautiful and colourful part of a flowering plant. It is the reproductive part of a plant.
Structure of a flower-
Sepal-
The outer green leafy structure in a flower is called sepal. Petals
make the first whorl of a flower. This whorl is called calyx. It
protects the flower at bud stage.
Petals-
The coloured leaf-like structures; next to the sepals; are called
petals. The bright colours of the petals, attracts insects. This helps
the plants in reproduction. The whorl formed by the petals is called
corolla.
Stamens-
Around the centre of the flower there are many little stalks with
swollen tops. These are called Stamen. It is the male part of the
flower. Each stamen consists of a green stalk called filament. A
capsule-like structure; called anther is at the top of the stamen. The
anther produces pollen grains. Pollen grains are powder like particles
and take part in reproduction.
Pistil-
It is the female part of the flower. It is a flask- shaped structure in
the middle of the flower. It is divided into three parts.
- Ovary- The lower broader portion of the pistil is called ovary. It contains the ovules which take part in reproduction.
- Style- The narrow middle portion of the pistil is called style.
- Stigma- The sticky end at the top of the style is called stigma.
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