What Exactly is a stem?

Stem
-is generally considered to be the central axis
of the plant
-supports the leaves and flowers of a plant
-has nodes from which new shoots and
timetimes new roots can arise
-is usually found above ground, but can be
modified and found below ground as well.
Rhizome

Root
Bulns is a modified stem that have
underground, fleshy storage structures.
Corm, vertical, fleshy, underground stem
that acts as a food-storage structure in
Fleshy scale certain seed plants. It bears membranous
leaves or scaly leaves and buds, and, unlike in
bulbs, these do not appear as visible rings
Protective scale
when the corm is cut in half.
leaves (Tunic)
Stem
Fibrous root

Bulb
(Mostly leaves)

Corm
(Mostly stem)
Thorns: Thorns are modified branches or stems, eg. Bougainvillea
Spines: Spines are modified leaves. eg. Many cact
Prickles: Prickles are extensions of the plants cortex and
epidermis (the outerlayer of the stem).eg. Roses
modified branches.
Phyllode Leaflets

Petiole
 Ray floret Disc florets

Receptacle
(disc shaped )
Spike
 Flag leaf Branch

Secondary
branch
Main panicle
Panicle axis
base
Pedicel
Spikelet
 Corolla
Corolla
Calyx
Calyx Gynoecium

Stigmas
Anthers
Filaments Ovary
Calyx
Male flower of Female flower of
sweet gourd sweet gourd
 Ovary

Epigynous flower Hypogynous flower

Fig. Zygomorphic flower Fig. Actinomorphic flower
Aestivation of Calyx/ Corolla
 Chambers
Stigma

Free
Style carpels

Ovary
Syncarpous gynoecium
Apocarpous gynoecium
 Ovary wall
Ovule
Placenta
Partition wall

Fig. Axile placentation in cotton

Ovary wall

Ovule
Placenta
Fig. Parietal placentation in Mustard
Fig. A Berry
A Hesperidium fruit
(Thin) (stony)

(Fleshy)
Fig. Various parts of a drupe
 Ovary

Thalamus

Thin
Papery
endocarp
L. S. of pome (apple)
Fig. Legume or pod
 Two chambers

Partition wall (replum)

Ovule

Fig. A S i l i q u a
 Locules / chambers of the ovary

Fig. Capsule type fruit

Cypsela of sunflower
Pericarp