Horticulture Stem Study Guide Flashcards

What are the general functions of the stem?

Supporting the plant and transporting energy-rich food, water, and nutrients throughout the plant; thank Xylem and Phloem for that.

What is the function of Rhizomes?

They help store food and vegetative reproduction; Ginger is an example.

What is the function of Bulbs

They help with food storage organs during dormancy; Onion is an example.

What is the function of Stolons?

They help propagate a plant, especially the main stem; Strawberry is an example.

What is the function of Tendrils?

They help aid the attachment and climbing of plants, helping them reach sunlight, secure support, and access resources; Peas are an example.

Main difference between Apical Bud and Axilliary Bud?

Apical is at the top of the stem and is given most of the plant’s energy to grow; to help reach the sun.

Axillary is at the plant’s ‘armpits‘ and doesn’t get much energy when the Apical is around; only grows and gets more energy whenever the Apical is cut off.

What is the meaning for Apical Dominance?

When energy gets to the top of the plant, that being the Apical Bud, in order for the plant to grow enough to get sunlight.

Examples: Peas, Redwood Trees, and anything that isn’t under secondary growth.

Major difference between Primary and Secondary Growth?

Primary Growth: Focuses on increasing the plant’s HEIGHT.

Secondary Growth: Focuses on increasing the plant’s WIDTH. Uses LATERAL MERISTEMS. Trees do this increase thickness.

What and where are the three types of Meristems?

Apical: Located at root and shoot tips.

Lateral: In the vascular and cork cambia.

Intercalary: Internodes or stem regions between where the leaves attach.

How to tell a Monocot and a Dicot though their stem cross sections?

Dicot: has their Vascular Bundles allinged around the stem.

Monocot: Has their Vascular Bundles separated throughout the stem.

How to tell a difference between a Monocot and a Dicot through the leaf attachment? Ex: Y on Y on Y

Dicot: Leaf veins that form a net pattern.

Monocot: Leaf veins that form a parallel pattern. Ex: ((()))

Differences between Older and Younger Xylem?

Early/Older Xylem: Heartwood represents this Xylem, but no longer transfers water and is filled with fungus and insects; and has a dark wood color.

Young/Late Xylem: Sapwood represents this Xylem, and transfers water and has a lighter color than Heartwood.

How can you tell the age of a dicot stem; tree for example?

To tell by the dicoted Tree, you can count their age through tree rings; these Perennial plants!

What is the function of Resins for Heartwood?

They clog the cell cavities of the Heartwood, this protects it from fungus and insects.

What are both Sapwood and Heartwood made by which tissue? Xylem or Phloem?

Both are made from Xylem(Secondary)

What is both Cork Cambium and Vascular Cambium/Tissue made by which tissue? Xylem or Phloem?

Both are made by Phloem(Secondary)

How to visually tell the difference between Early and Late Xylem by their function?

Early Xylem: Tranfers MORE water, but much THINNER tree rings

Late Xylem: Transfers LESS water, but much THICKER for the tree rings.

What are the structural advantages for wood?

High strength and durability.