Stem

(1) Stem [ Botany ]

Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

The stem is the main axis or a branch, of a plant (tree, shrub or herb) which bears and place in positions parts like leaves and flowers where they can function most efficiently;

The stem has a continuous pipeline of vascular tissue composed of non living cells to transport water and minerals from roots and sugar from leaves. It enlarge in size and length;

Frequently, stems serve to store food (e.g. cactus stems store water; tubers store nutrients), it carry on photosynthesis, and may reproduce new plants.

It is generally aerial but also below the ground, node occurs where a leaf attaches and internode is the region between nodes; nodes and internode identify a stem even if it is underground.

Tree use woody tissue to support stems.

It develops from the plumule of the embryo;

Main stem parts:

Apical (terminal) bud: The primary growing point located at the apex (tip)of the stem.
Axillary ( lateral) bud: A bud that develops in the axil of a leaf .
Node: Region of stem from which leaves, or branches arise.
Internode A region of stem between nodes.
Leaf Scar: A mark indicating the precedent place of attachment of petiole or leaf base.
Stipular Scar. A mark indicating former place of attachment of stipule.
Lenticel: A pore in the bark.
Prickle: A sharp pointed outgrowth from the epidermis or cortex.
Terminal Bud Scale Scar Rings: A ring indicating the previous place of attachment of bud scale
Vascular Bundle or Trace Scar: A mark showing former place of attachment within the leaf scar of the vascular bundle.

(2) Stem [ Botany ]


	The plant part that supports the leaves, flowers or fruits of a plant, as the peduncle of a fruit, the pedicel of a flower or the petiole or leaf-stem.

(3) Stem [ Botany ]


	Also the midvein or rachis of a leaf.

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