Types of plants stem

1. Types of stems
Presented by Sarah Ashfaq
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2. Contents
Introduction
Definition of stem
Characteristics of stem
Types of stems
Conclusion
References
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3. Introduction
• A stem is one of two main structural axes of a vascular plant,
the other being the root. It supports leaves, flowers and fruits,
transports water and dissolved substances between the roots
and the shoots in the xylem and phloem, photosynthesis takes
place here, stores nutrients, and produces new living tissue.
The stem can also be called halm or haulm or culms.
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4. Definition
A main stem is
the portion of the
primary axes of
the plant which
develops from
the plumule.
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5. Characteristics of stem
Terminal
and axillary
buds
Green
Nodes and
internodes
Positively
phototropic
Negatively
geotropic
Develops
from the
plumule of
the embryo.
Bears leaves,
flowers and
fruits
Branches
exogenously
Ascending
part
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7. Types of stem
1.Harbaceous
2.Woody
3.Fistular
4.Solid
5.Jointed
6.Cylindrical
7.Glaucous
8.Glabrous
9.Succulent
10.Spiny
11.Prickly
12.Flattened
13.Angular
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8. Herbaceous stem
Soft Green Bent Broken
Vascular
bundles
No
persistent
woody
stem
Flexible
Annuals,
Biennials
&
Perennials
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9. Examples
Brassica napus Brassica rapa Poppy Carrot
Parsnip Mint Ferns Grasses
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10. 2.Woody stem
Hard
Perennial
plants
Trees,
shrubs or
lianas
Thick
Known
as the
trunk
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11. Examples
Calotropis
Ginkgo
Apple tree stem
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12. 3. Fistular stem
The vascular bundles and cellular tissue
are sometimes developed in such a way
as to form a circle, with a hollow in the
centre, and thus give rise to what are
called fistular or hollow stem.
Internodes hollow
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13. The stems of Oenanthe fistulosa (tubular water-
dropwort) are hollow, with very thin walls.
The stems of Bambusa vulgaris are hollow
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14. 4. Solid stem
Not hollow
Hard
Woody
Woody stem growth occurs from a
thin strip of cells called the cambium
located just under the outer bark.
Trees
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15. 5. Jointed stem
Stem are
jointed with
each joint
forming a
node.
Swollen at
the nodes
Indian grass
Andropogon gerardii
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16. 6. Cylindrical stem
Straight
Round
cylinder-like shape
Erect
Rosa indica
Jasminum officinale
Helianthus annuus
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17. 7. Angular stem
Having
alternate
ridges
Furrows
Not round
in cross
section
Ocimum basilicum (Niazbo)
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18. 8. Flattened stem
Flat
Plate like
Ugly or attractive
Including phylloclades
Thick
Fleshy
Stored food
Having chlorophyll
Opuntia
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19. 19. Glaucous stem
Surface smooth
More or less shiny
Bluish green
The stems of Bambusa
vulgaris
Glaucous stem and leaf
stalks of
Rubus occidentalis.
The glaucous stem
of Acanthocalycium
glaucum
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20. 20. Glabrous stem
Surface
smooth
Not
shiny
No fine hairs
Glossy
Dryopteris cristata (crested
wood fern).
Brassica
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21. 21. Succulent stem
Thick
Fleshy
Store water
Conduct photosynthesis
Hoodia macrantha
Opuntia
Euphorbia royleana
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22. 22. Spiny stem
Spines
Thorns on the surface
For storage and protection
To reduce water loss in
arid conditions
Duranta erecta stem
Acacia stem
Rosa indica stem
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23. 23. Prickly
Prickles (spine
structure)
Short
Sharp
woody projections that
are derived epidermis.
Ribes montigenum
(mountain gooseberry)
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24. Conclusion
• Stems are the important structural axis of vascular plants. The stem of
a plant is divided into three parts consisting of the node, the petiole,
and the internode. They support leaves, fruits, flowers and produce
new living tissues. Stems give accurate structures and foundations for
plants. Stems are the main transportation routes of water from the
roots to the leaves.
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25. References
• Greb, T., & Lohmann, J. U. (2016). Plant stem cells. Current biology, 26(17),
R816-R821.
• Laux, T. (2003). The stem cell concept in plants: a matter of debate. Cell, 113(3),
281-283.
• Schweingruber, F. H., & Börner, A. (2018). The plant stem: a microscopic aspect.
Springer.
• Schweingruber, F. H., Börner, A., & Schulze, E. D. (2007). Atlas of woody plant
stems: evolution, structure, and environmental modifications. Springer Science &
Business Media.
• Schulgasser, K., & Witztum, A. (1997). On the strength of herbaceous vascular
plant stems. Annals of Botany, 80(1), 35-44.
• Endress, P. K., Baas, P., & Gregory, M. (2000). Systematic plant morphology and
anatomy‐50 years of progress. Taxon, 49(3), 401-434.
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