Morphology in flowering
plants
Short notes
Morphology of Flowering Plants
1. Root
Definition: The root is the part of the plant that usually grows underground and anchors the plant.
Types:
Tap Root: One main root with smaller lateral roots (e.g., carrot, radish).
Fibrous Root: A network of thin roots emerging from the base of the stem (e.g., grass, wheat).
Functions: Anchorage, absorption of water and nutrients, storage of food, and vegetative reproduction.
2. Stem
Definition: The stem is the aerial part of the plant that supports leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Types:
Herbaceous Stem: Soft and green, typically found in herbs (e.g., sunflower).
Woody Stem: Hard and rigid, found in trees and shrubs (e.g., oak).
Functions: Supports leaves and flowers, transports nutrients and water between roots and leaves, stores food.
3. Leaf
Definition: The leaf is the main organ for photosynthesis.
Parts:
Blade: The flat, broad part of the leaf.
Petiole: The stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem.
Veins: Vascular bundles that transport nutrients and water.
Types:
Simple Leaf: Single leaf blade (e.g., mango).
Compound Leaf: Multiple leaflets (e.g., rose).
Functions: Photosynthesis, transpiration, and gas exchange.
4. Flower
Definition: The reproductive part of the plant.
Parts:
Sepal: Protects the flower bud.
Petal: Attracts pollinators.
Stamen: Male part (anther and filament) that produces pollen.
Carpel/Pistil: Female part (stigma, style, and ovary) that produces ovules.
Types:
Complete Flower: Has all four floral whorls (e.g., hibiscus).
Incomplete Flower: Lacks one or more of the floral whorls (e.g., corn).
Functions: Reproduction, attraction of pollinators.
5. Fruit
Definition: The mature ovary of a flower that contains seeds.
Types:
Fleshy Fruit: Soft and edible (e.g., apple).
Dry Fruit: Hard and dry at maturity (e.g., pea).
Functions: Protection of seeds, aiding in seed dispersal.
6. Seed
Definition: The mature ovule containing the embryo.
Parts:
Seed Coat: Protective outer layer.
Embryo: Developing plant.
Endosperm: Food reserve.
Types:
Monocot Seed: One cotyledon (e.g., maize).
Dicot Seed: Two cotyledons (e.g., bean).
