Parts of a Plant
Plants consists of two main parts the shoot system and root system.
The shoot system grows above the ground and consists of the stem, leaf, buds, and flowers.
The root system grows downwards into the soil and consists of the root.
See the following video from SMART LEARNING FOR ALL for more information.
Parts of a plant and their functions

The Stem
- Holds the leaves and other parts that grow above the ground.
- Stems have tiny tubes that carry water and minerals from the roots to other parts
(Like the circulatory system or tansport system ).
- Stems holds up flowers
- Some stems store food and water .eg. yam, irish, potato ( underground stem tubes)
Leaf
- Food factory for plants
- Plants use chlorophyll air, water and sunlight to make food for the plants. This process is called photosynthesis.
- Through tiny pores (also called stomata) on the back of the leaf the plants releases oxygen and takes in carbon dioxide.
- Plants give off water through the pores on the leaves. This is called transpiration, which helps to cool the plant.
- Some leaves store food. Eg. Lettuce, callaloo
Root
- Holds (anchors) the plant firmly in the ground.
- Some roots store food eg. Carrot, cassava
- Helps keep the soil from being washed away ( prevent soil erosion )
- Absorb and stores water and minerals from the soil ( absorbtion)
Main Function of roots is
- Anchorage
- Storage
- Absorbtion
Type of roots
- Tap root – One main root with lateral roots branching off
- Fibrous root – No recognizable main root, several root growing at the same time.
Flowers: are the reproductive part of the plant.