The Concept of Plant Morphology

The study of the size, shape, and structure of animals, plants, and microbes, as well as the interactions between their constituent elements, is known as the morphology of flowering plants in biology. The general characteristics of a plant’s or animal’s biological structure and parts arrangement are discussed. Anatomy can also apply to the study of biological structure; however, it usually refers to examining the features of either gross or microscopic structure. However, in reality, the two names are practically interchangeable. Morphology is an important study of plants that provides all of the general and necessary information on how each part of the plant functions.

Morphology of flowering plants

The name “morphology” comes from the Ancient Greek words “morphe” for “shape” and “logos” for “word, study, and research.” Morphology is the study of a plant’s exterior form and internal structure, as well as the ontogenic development of the entire plant body and its members.

Vascular plants’ form reflects their evolutionary history as terrestrial creatures that occupy and draw resources from two different environments: below and above ground. They must take in water and minerals from beneath the earth’s surface, as well as CO2 and light from above.

The ability to efficiently gather these resources may be traced back to the three basic organs of roots, stems, and leaves. A root system (which grows from the radicle of the germinating seed) and a shoot system are formed by these basic organs (which develop from the plumule of the germinating seed).

Root System

The root is a vascular organ that anchors a plant in the soil, collects sap (minerals and water), stores carbohydrates and other reserves and is part of plant morphology.

The elongation of the radicle (basic form of the root) in most dicot plants leads to the production of primary roots that grow inside the soil. Secondary or lateral roots are formed when primary roots branch out further.

The taproot system is made up of the main roots and their branches. Generally tall, erect plants with vast branch regions typically have a tap root system, which consists of a single vertical root, taproot that emerges from the primary root and aids in the plant’s stability. Consider the mustard plant as an example. 

The Fibrous root System

Many roots in monocot plants replace the primary root. The fibrous root system is made up of roots that grow from the stem base.

The primary root of plants with fibrous root systems dies early and does not generate a taproot. Instead, many little roots sprout from the stem, known as adventitious roots.

The Shoot System is part of plant morphology.

The shoot system is one of many intricate and sophisticated systems that keep a plant alive and growing. The leaves, buds, blooming stems and flowering buds, and the main stem, are all considered part of the plant’s shoot system. The term ‘shoot’ is commonly employed when discussing the primary stem.

We’ll come across nodes and internodes as we proceed from the ground surface to the terminal bud (the underdeveloped shoot’s end). Internodes are the spots on the stem between nodes, while nodes are the points where leaves are attached. There are axillary buds that are latent but can produce a vegetative branch in the crux generated by the node and stem.

Characteristics of Stem

A stem is an organ of the plant that bears leaves and buds. It develops from the plume of a developing seed’s embryo and bears nodes and internodes.

The stem’s primary role is to extend and orient the shoot so that the leaves’ photosynthesis is maximised. It also raises the reproductive structures, making pollen and fruit distribution easier.

Leaf

In most vascular plants, the leaf is the primary photosynthetic organ. It also exchanges gases with the atmosphere, disperses heat, and defends itself against herbivores and diseases, in addition to catching the light, and this is a part of the morphology of flowering plants. 

The node bears a bud in its axil, and the leaves sprout at the node. The axillary bud develops into a branch later on. They are grouped in an acropetal order and originate from the apical meristems.

Fruits 

A blooming plant’s distinguishing characteristic is a ripened or mature ovary, and the seed is what the ovules grow into after fertilisation. A parthenocarpic fruit is one that grows without being fertilised. Fruits originate from flowers and are categorised as follows based on their way of development:

Simple Fruits – This term refers to a single fruit that has formed from the ovary of a single flower. Plums, peaches, and other fruits are examples.

Aggregate Fruits – Aggregate fruits are a cluster of little fruits produced by multiple ovaries of a single flower. Strawberry, Custard Apple, Blackberries, and other fruits are examples.

Multiple Fruits – Multiple fruits are formed when the ovaries of different flowers grow closely together to create a single large fruit. Pineapple, figs, mulberries, and other fruits are examples.

Seeds

The seed of a blossoming plant is a necessary component. It can be discovered enclosed within the fruit of the plant. The seed coat, which is a protective covering on the outside of the seed, protects the embryo. Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons are two different types of seeds that differ in the number of cotyledons they contain.

Monocotyledons- Monocotyledons are seeds with only one embryonic leaf. Rice, millet, onion, corn, ginger, banana, and so on are some examples.

Dicotyledons- Dicotyledons are seeds that have two embryonic leaves or two cotyledons. Beans, peanuts, tomatoes, and other legumes are examples.

Flowering Plants or Angiosperms

Angiosperms, or flowering plants, account for more than 80% of all living plant species. They are the most varied group, with around 300,000 species. Angiosperms are assumed to have descended from gymnosperms. Through various rounds of growth, a few old ferns may have developed into a blossoming plant. Flowers are angiosperm components that cover either or both male and female reproductive organs. The fertilised egg is retained in the ovary within the flower, where it develops into a seed, and these reproductive organs engage in sexual reproduction. Angiosperms have evolved and developed multiple properties such as a flower and a circulatory system made up of specialised cells and tissues to adapt to various niches in terrestrial environments.

Conclusion

The flowering plants account for more than 80% for living plant species. The plant species are diversified into different parts. Generally the flowering plant is also called angiosperm. Plant morphology highlights the study of the plants and the different parts of the plants. Plants are an important part of the ecosystem and support nature. Plants are required by humans, birds, animals and many other species. This topic is very much essential to understand the study of plants and how helpful they are to nature. The function of the plants might change from season to season and are useful to humans and nature in many ways.