Plants are one of the most important living organisms on earth. They have huge benefits for both humans and animals. A plant is made up of numerous parts. Distinct parts serve different purposes. The shoot system refers to the portion of the plant that protrudes above ground level, whereas the root system refers to the portion buried beneath the soil.
The study of plant organ tissue and cellular structure is known as plant anatomy. Cells serve as the fundamental building block of plants. Cells are organised into tissues, which are then organised into organs. Plant organs differ from one another in terms of their internal structure. The monocots and dicots are also observed to have diverse anatomical structures within angiosperms. Internal structures also exhibit environmental adaptations.
All vascular plants have important structures called roots. A root system is the collective unit of a plant’s roots. Most vascular plants have two types of roots: primary roots that develop downward and secondary roots that branch out to the sides.
A taproot’s main central root is surrounded by a network of smaller, lateral roots known as root hairs. The taproot might penetrate as many as 60 metres (almost 200 feet) underneath the ground surface. It can access extremely deep water sources and store a large amount of food to assist the plant in withstanding drought and other environmental conditions. Additionally, the plant’s taproot firmly secures it in the soil. Examples of taproot systems include mustard, beetroot, carrot, china rose, parsley, china rose, and dicotyledons.
On the other hand, fibrous roots are branched, bushy roots that originate from the stem and have thin, moderately branched roots. Though fibrous roots bind the plant less firmly, the large number of threadlike roots improves the surface area for water absorption and minerals. The fibrous root system is present in many plants, including monocotyledons, rice, maize, wheat, marigolds, and bananas.
With almost 2,000 000 species, angiosperms are the most varied group of plants. Herbs, shrubs, and trees that reproduce sexually through seeds fall under this category. Angiosperms can be classified as monocot or dicot plants, depending on how many cotyledons are present in the seed. The plants that grow from monocotyledonous seeds and those that grow from dicotyledonous seeds differ significantly from one another.
Stems are the parts of vascular plants that hold plants upright so they may receive the necessary sunshine and air. The stems can also produce cones, flowers, leaves, and secondary stalks. Node points are where secondary stems grow. A meristem tissue bud at each node can divide and specialise in developing a specific structure.
Plants cannot survive in the air high above the ground without a connection between the roots and the leaves. Transporting food from leaves to the rest of the plant and water and minerals from roots to leaves are two other essential functions performed by stems. Stems of many plants can also serve as winter or summer-time food or water reserves.
The dicotyledonous stem is generally solid. The following parts make up the transverse section of a typical young dicotyledonous stem:
The monocot stem has a sclerenchymatous hypodermis, scattered vascular bundles encased in sclerenchymatous bundle sheaths, and a large, visible parenchymatous ground tissue. Vascular bundles are joined and closed. Vascular bundles at the periphery are usually smaller than those in the centre. Water-containing cavities can be found inside the vascular bundles, but the phloem parenchyma is absent.
Plant leaves produce nourishment for plant and animal life, which helps to sustain life on earth. In plants, photosynthesis takes place on the leaf. Producing food in the form of sugars through photosynthesis involves utilising the energy from sunshine.
Plants rely on their leaves to function as leading food chains’ primary producers. In addition to producing food, leaves also contribute significantly to the carbon and oxygen cycle in the environment by producing oxygen during photosynthesis. In addition to stems and flowers, leaves are a part of the plant’s shoot system.
Leaves can have various shapes and sizes. The blade, petiole, and stipules are the three primary parts of the leaves of flowering plants (angiosperms). The epidermis, the mesophyll, and the vascular tissue are the three primary tissues of leaves. Layers of cells make up each form of tissue.
Some plants have additional, highly specialised functions in addition to photosynthesis. Examples include plants that can “eat” insects and are carnivorous. Some creatures, such as the Indian Leafwing Butterfly, imitate leaves to hide from predators.
The adenium plant, commonly known as the desert rose, is admired for its swollen stem and vibrant flowers. But what’s going on below the soil surface and inside its thick stems? Here we’ll explore the unique anatomy and important functions of the roots and stems that support this popular succulent.
Anatomy of Adenium Roots
The root system of the adenium consists of a large, central taproot that plunges deep into the soil. This anchors the top-heavy plant and accesses water stored far below ground.
Smaller lateral roots branch horizontally off the taproot spreading through the upper layers of soil. These roots efficiently absorb moisture and dissolved nutrients.
The tips of younger roots are covered in fine root hairs. This increases the surface area for absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
Inside, the roots have specialized xylem tissues that transport water and minerals upwards through the plant. The anatomy of the roots maximizes water uptake in hot, dry conditions.
Functions of Adenium Roots
The adenium’s roots serve several critical functions:
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Anchoring – The stout taproot anchors the plant firmly in place. This prevents uprooting from strong winds or animals disturbing the soil.
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Water absorption – The extensive root system efficiently absorbs even small amounts of water from the dry soil. The roots store water in tissue for future use.
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Nutrient absorption – Root hairs take up essential minerals like nitrogen and phosphorus dissolved in the soil water. These nutrients are transported to support growth.
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Energy storage – Some water and nutrients absorbed by roots are converted to sugars and starch for energy storage. This fuels future growth and flowering.
Anatomy of Adenium Stems
The swollen stem of the adenium plant is specialized for water storage. The anatomy includes:
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A thickened, succulent trunk capable of expanding dramatically in size.
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Layers of moist parenchyma tissue inside the stem to store water.
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Vascular bundles scattered throughout the parenchyma to transport water and nutrients.
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An epidermis or outer skin that stretches as the trunk enlarges.
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Stomata or pores in the epidermis that allow gas exchange for respiration.
The stem also contains chlorophyll and can photosynthesize when young and green.
Functions of Adenium Stems
The caudex stem is integral to the adenium’s survival in harsh deserts with little rainfall. Its roles include:
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Water storage – The parenchyma tissue acts as a water reservoir during droughts, preventing dehydration.
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Energy storage – Sugars and starch produced by photosynthesis are stored as energy reserves for future growth and flowering.
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Structure – The thickened stem provides physical support to the canopy of leaves and flowers above.
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Drought survival – Tapping water reserves in the swollen stem allows the adenium to endure months of drought when water is unavailable.
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Photosynthesis – Young green stems can make some food via photosynthesis when light levels are low for leaves.
Caring for the Roots and Stems
Now that you understand the anatomy and functions of the roots and stems, here are some tips for caring for these vital adenium parts:
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Water deeply and let soil dry out completely before re-watering. This encourages extensive root growth.
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Use a fast-draining potting mix to avoid root rot from soggy soil. Add perlite or sand to improve drainage.
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Repot before roots become overly crowded and tangled. This encourages new root growth.
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Prune stems annually to promote branching and prevent excessive height. Make cuts close to the main stem.
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Situate plants where stems get some sunlight to maximize photosynthesis.
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Monitor for stem rot and treat promptly with fungicides if detected.
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Avoid overwatering and ensure stems have good air circulation to remain healthy.
The desert rose’s roots and stems have evolved impressive adaptations for surviving arid habitats. Understanding the anatomy underlying water and nutrient absorption in roots, and water storage in succulent stems gives us insight into properly caring for these plants. By providing the right soil, sunlight, watering, and pruning, you can keep your adenium’s roots and stems happy and healthy.
Dorsiventral or Dicotyledonous Leaf
- The epidermis, mesophyll, and vascular system can be seen in the vertical section through the lamina of a dorsiventral leaf.
- A noticeable cuticle on the epidermis covers the leaf’s upper (adaxial epidermis) and lower (abaxial epidermis) surfaces.
- The term “mesophyll” refers to the tissue that lies between the top and lower epidermis. Parenchyma makes up the chloroplast-containing mesophyll, which performs photosynthesis.
- Vascular bundles, visible in the veins and the midrib, are part of the vascular system. The size of the veins affects the size of the vascular bundles.
- Dicot leaves have reticulate venation, which has veins of varying thicknesses. A layer of densely packed bundle sheath cells encircles the vascular bundles.
Isobilateral or Monocotyledonous Leaf
In many ways, the anatomy of the isobilateral leaf resembles that of the dorsiventral leaf. It displays the following characteristic variations:
- Both the adaxial and abaxial epidermis have stomata.
- The mesophyll lacks a defined palisade and spongy parenchyma.
- There are bulliform cells, which are a development of adaxial epidermal cells and veins.
- Large, empty cells called bulliform cells cause leaves to curl to prevent excessive water loss.
In some plant species, such as peas, leaves are modified to serve additional purposes. For example, in cacti, leaves are transformed into spines for defence.
Related Links:
Plant Root System & Shoot System
FAQ
What is the anatomy of plant stem and root?
What are the functions of roots, stems, and leaves?
What is the stem of Adenium?
What are the roots and stems of a plant?
Is Adenium a succulent?
Also known as desert rose, is a succulent plant with red, pink, white, and many varieties of flowers. Adenium is an extremely beautiful plant and sometime called Natural Bonsai, because of its thick stems and the modified fat lowe r stem called as Caudex. Well, Let’s split this episode into multiple chapters or sections.
What is the fourth stage of Adenium growth?
The fourth and final stage of adenium plant growth is the mature stage. This stage begins when the plant reaches a height of around 12 inches or more and has developed a well-formed caudex or swollen stem. At this point, it is essential to continue providing adequate fertilization and regular pruning to maintain its shape.
Do adeniums need pruning?
Adeniums in this stage require regular pruning to encourage branching and improve their overall shape. The fourth and final stage of adenium plant growth is the mature stage. This stage begins when the plant reaches a height of around 12 inches or more and has developed a well-formed caudex or swollen stem.
Do adeniums rot?
During this stage, it’s important to avoid overwatering, as young adeniums are susceptible to root rot. The third stage of adenium plant growth is the juvenile stage. This stage begins when the plant has grown to a height of around six inches and has started developing its characteristic swollen stem.