Characteristics of stems

What is a stem?

It is a very important part of the plant with the following functions:

1) Maintain the flowers and leaves at a certain distance from the soil.STEM
2) Carry the nutrients and water.

STEM

Parts of the stem and buds

 

Stem

1) Main stem

2) Secondary stem

3) Main terminal bud

4) Secondary terminal bud

5) Lateral bud

6) Node

7) Internode

8) Buds

 

The main stem is the most important one in the plant. Secondary stems grow from it. This type of stem is easily identified most plants and certain trees such as firs and pines.

Secondary stems grow from main stem a this one develops.

Nodes are some bulginess in the stems. Leaves grow at their level.

Internodes are the spaces between the nodes.

Buds

Buds are responsible for plant growth; either new stems, flowers or leaves.

In a typical flower bud, as the one in the image, we can see the bud primordia in the apex (1) and those ones protecting it which develop into new leaves later (2).

In flower buds we can preview the elements of a flower in its undeveloped status. Buds are very fragile to the cold, so most trees or bushes protect them in winter with an outer cover of stiffened leaves.

Perennial herbaceous plants and annual ones do not protect their buds.

STEM

The main terminal bud is in charge of the upwards growing of the plant.

Secondary terminal buds come out from the tip of secondary stems. They make the secondary stems grow.

Lateral buds are placed on the stem nodes. Leaves and flowers arise from them.

Eatable buds

Some plants are being cultivated because their buds are eatable. For example:

Artichokes

Cabbage

STEM

STEM

Activities of stems

test

Choose the correct answer in each case.

árbol

This tree:

Only shows the main stem

Has hot a compound branching

Has got a simple branching

copa

This tree:

Has got main and secondary stems

Has only got a main stem

Has some another kind of stems beside the main one and the secondary ones

caña

The internodes of the cane:

Are clearly defined

Are not very clear

Can not be seen

Continue with Types of stems stem types

punto rojo More information about plant cultivation.

This article was endorsed by Vicente Martínez Centelles - Founder of the web and director. Teacher of natural sciences, expert in plants, natural remedies and botanical photography.
Vicente Martínez Centelles
Written by Vicente Martínez Centelles Founder of the web and director. Teacher of natural sciences, expert in plants, natural remedies and botanical photography.

23 March, 2021

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