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  Parts of a Plant

Like our body, the body of a plant is also made of different parts. Each part has a special function.

The part of a plant that grows above the ground is called the shoot. The shoot has stem, branches, leaves, buds, flowers and fruits. The part that grows below the ground is called the root.

root

Roots grow under the ground. There are two types of roots – tap root and fibrous root.

Tap root

A tap root has one thick main root. Many smaller roots grow from the main root. Plants, such as carrot, radish, turnip, bean and mustard have tap roots.

Fibrous root

A fibrous root has a number of roots that grow from the end of the stem. It does not have a main root. Plants, such as grass, wheat, rice, onion and banana have fibrous roots.

Functions of the root

Roots have the following functions:

They fix the plant to the soil. They provide support to the plants.

They absorb water and nutrients from the soil for the plant.

Some roots also store food for plants.

stem

A stem grows above the ground. Some plants, such as the mango tree, have a hard, strong and woody stem called the trunk. The trunk keeps the tree upright. Some other plants like tulsi have a weak, thin and less woody stem as compared to a tree. The stem of tulsi plant is flexible and is usually branched at the top.

Functions of the stem

A stem has the following functions:

It keeps the plant upright. But few plants need extra support other than the stem.