Stems

PLANT MAGAZINE

THE PLANTS:

FLOWERS

ROOTS

FRUITS

LEAVES
SEEDS
GLOSSARY

THE 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.

2) Carry the nutrients and water.

PARTS OF THE STEM AND BUDS

Stem

1) Main stem

2) Secondary stem

6) Node

7) Internode

Buds

3) Main terminal bud

4) Secondary terminal bud

5) Lateral bud

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.