CHAPTER 5
MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS
Important Terms
THE ROOT
Tap root system: In majority of the dicotyledonous plants, the direct elongation of
the radicle leads to the formation of primary roots and its branches which
constitute the tap root system.
For example: Roots of mustard plant
Fibrous root system:
In monocotyledonous plants, the primary root is short lived and is replaced by a
large number of roots. These roots originate from the base of the stem and
constitute the fibrous root system.
For example :Maize, Paddy , grass etc.
Adventitious roots:In some plants, roots arise from parts of the plant other than
the radicle and are called adventitious roots.
For example: Grass, Monstera and the banyan tree.
Regions of the Root
Root cap : The root is covered at the apex by a thimble-like structure called the
root cap
Root hairs: The fine and delicate thread-like structures arise from the epidermal
cells of root are called root hairs.
THE STEM
Nodes : The region of the stem where leaves are born are called nodes
Internodes: The portions between two nodes on a stem are called internodes.
, Axillary bud: The bud found in the axil is called an axillary bud. It gives rise to
new branches (lateral branches) of the plant.
Axil: The angle (upper) between the leaf and the stem is called axil.
Terminal buds:The buds that grow at the tips of the stems or its branches are
called terminal or apical buds.
THE LEAF
Leaf base : The leaf is attached to the stem by the leaf base .
Stipules : Two lateral small leaf-like structures found at the leaf base are called
stipules.
Pulvinus: In some leguminous plants the leaf base may become swollen, which is
called the pulvinus.
Petiole: The stalk which connects the leaf base to the lamina in the leaf is called
Petiole.
Lamina : The lamina or the leaf blade is the green expanded part of the leaf with
veins and veinlets.
Midrib : There is, usually, a middle prominent vein in the leaf blade is known as
the midrib.
Venation : The arrangement of veins and the veinlets in the lamina of leaf is
termed as venation.
Simple leaf : A leaf in which its lamina is entire or when incised, the incisions do
not touch the midrib is called simple leaf.
MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING PLANTS
Important Terms
THE ROOT
Tap root system: In majority of the dicotyledonous plants, the direct elongation of
the radicle leads to the formation of primary roots and its branches which
constitute the tap root system.
For example: Roots of mustard plant
Fibrous root system:
In monocotyledonous plants, the primary root is short lived and is replaced by a
large number of roots. These roots originate from the base of the stem and
constitute the fibrous root system.
For example :Maize, Paddy , grass etc.
Adventitious roots:In some plants, roots arise from parts of the plant other than
the radicle and are called adventitious roots.
For example: Grass, Monstera and the banyan tree.
Regions of the Root
Root cap : The root is covered at the apex by a thimble-like structure called the
root cap
Root hairs: The fine and delicate thread-like structures arise from the epidermal
cells of root are called root hairs.
THE STEM
Nodes : The region of the stem where leaves are born are called nodes
Internodes: The portions between two nodes on a stem are called internodes.
, Axillary bud: The bud found in the axil is called an axillary bud. It gives rise to
new branches (lateral branches) of the plant.
Axil: The angle (upper) between the leaf and the stem is called axil.
Terminal buds:The buds that grow at the tips of the stems or its branches are
called terminal or apical buds.
THE LEAF
Leaf base : The leaf is attached to the stem by the leaf base .
Stipules : Two lateral small leaf-like structures found at the leaf base are called
stipules.
Pulvinus: In some leguminous plants the leaf base may become swollen, which is
called the pulvinus.
Petiole: The stalk which connects the leaf base to the lamina in the leaf is called
Petiole.
Lamina : The lamina or the leaf blade is the green expanded part of the leaf with
veins and veinlets.
Midrib : There is, usually, a middle prominent vein in the leaf blade is known as
the midrib.
Venation : The arrangement of veins and the veinlets in the lamina of leaf is
termed as venation.
Simple leaf : A leaf in which its lamina is entire or when incised, the incisions do
not touch the midrib is called simple leaf.
