Parts of a Plant

All plants contain roots, stems, branches, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds. Whether a single blade of grass or a gigantic oak tree, these are the basic parts of a plant, and each part plays a specific role in the growth cycle of the plant.

Roots

When seeds germinate, roots grow down into the soil. This root sends out lateral roots that reach out to the sides of the seed.

The function of the root is first to anchor the plant into the soil. It then draws nutrients and water from the soil up into the growing plant.

Roots can also be a means for the plant to multiply, spreading further out into the soil and growing new plants.

Stems and Branches

Stems grow up from the root, breaking through the surface of the soil. As it becomes stronger, it sends out branches.

The stem carries water from the roots through its veins to the leaves.

The stems must be strong enough for each species to support its branches, and the branches to support the leaves, flowers and fruit.

Leaves

The leaves of each individual species of plant are unique and have a definite pattern and appearance.

These are the most important organ of the plant, as they manufacture most of the nourishment for the plant through photosynthesis.

Leaves can store vitamins and proteins that the plant needs to thrive. The leaves breathe and help maintain the plants temperature, while providing oxygen.

Simple leaves contain a single blade attached to a petiole, while compound leaves are made up of small leaflets attached to a petiole.

Flowers

A plant produces flowers for the purpose of making seeds. Flowers are the parts of a plant that draw pollinators, through their colors and scents.

Fruits

The ripened ovary of the flower becomes the fruit of a plant. There are innumerable varieties of fruits, vegetables, berries, legumes and nuts that different plants bear.

Seeds

Seeds are where the cycle of life in a plant's life begins and ends with each growing season. Seeds can be smaller than a grain of salt or as large as the coconut.

Seeds are equipped with their own special means for distribution. Small wings carry some seeds through the air, while others stick to the fur of animals and are transported across great distances.

Still more are collected and scattered by human hands. Whatever their means of transportation, their purpose is to increase the number of plants of each species.

The complex systems that make up every plant can be broken down into these few basic parts of a plant.

How these parts grow and what type of flower, fruit or seeds they produce is determined by what species of plant it is.

More Parts of a Plant