Morphology of flowering plants deals with the external structure and organization of plants. It includes the study of:
- Root
- Stem
- Leaf
- Inflorescence
- Flower
- Fruit
- Seed
Understanding morphology helps in identification, classification, and understanding plant adaptations.
The Root
Definition
The root is the underground part of the plant that develops from the radicle of the embryo.
Functions of Root
- Absorption of water and minerals
- Anchorage
- Storage of food
- Synthesis of plant growth regulators
Types of Root Systems
1. Tap Root System
- Develops from radicle
- Primary root persists
Examples:
- Mustard
- Carrot
2. Fibrous Root System
- Primary root replaced by cluster of roots
Examples:
- Wheat
- Rice
3. Adventitious Roots
- Arise from parts other than radicle
Examples:
- Grass
- Banyan
Modifications of Roots
1. Storage Roots
- Store food
- Example: Carrot
2. Prop Roots
- Provide support
- Example: Banyan
3. Pneumatophores
- Help in respiration
- Found in mangroves
The Stem
Definition
The stem is the ascending part of the plant axis that develops from the plumule.
Functions of Stem
- Support
- Transport of water and nutrients
- Storage
- Vegetative propagation
Modifications of Stem
1. Underground Stems
- Storage and perennation
- Examples: Potato, Ginger
2. Subaerial Stems
- Vegetative propagation
- Examples: Runner (grass), Offset
3. Aerial Stems
- Tendrils for climbing
- Thorns for protection
The Leaf
Definition
Leaf is a lateral, flattened structure borne on stem.
Parts of Leaf
- Leaf base
- Petiole
- Lamina
Venation
1. Reticulate Venation
- Network-like veins
- Example: Dicot leaves
2. Parallel Venation
- Veins run parallel
- Example: Monocot leaves
Types of Leaves
1. Simple Leaf
- Single undivided lamina
2. Compound Leaf
- Lamina divided into leaflets
Types:
- Pinnate
- Palmate
Modifications of Leaves
- Spines (cactus)
- Tendrils (pea)
- Storage leaves (onion)
Inflorescence
Definition
Arrangement of flowers on the floral axis.
Types of Inflorescence
1. Racemose
- Main axis continues to grow
- Flowers arranged in acropetal order
2. Cymose
- Main axis terminates in a flower
- Basipetal arrangement
The Flower
Definition
The flower is the reproductive unit of flowering plants.
Parts of a Flower
- Calyx (sepals)
- Corolla (petals)
- Androecium (stamens)
- Gynoecium (carpels)
Types of Flowers
Based on Symmetry
- Actinomorphic (radial symmetry)
- Zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry)
Based on Sex
- Bisexual
- Unisexual
Based on Position of Ovary
- Superior ovary (hypogynous)
- Half inferior (perigynous)
- Inferior ovary (epigynous)
Aestivation
Arrangement of sepals/petals in bud.
Types:
- Valvate
- Twisted
- Imbricate
- Vexillary
Placentation
Arrangement of ovules in ovary.
Types:
- Marginal
- Axile
- Parietal
- Basal
Fruit
Definition
Fruit is the mature ovary after fertilization.
Types of Fruits
1. True Fruit
- Develops from ovary
2. False Fruit
- Develops from other parts
Based on Development:
- Simple fruit
- Aggregate fruit
- Multiple fruit
Seed
Definition
Seed is a fertilized ovule.
Structure of Seed
- Seed coat
- Embryo
- Endosperm
Types of Seeds
1. Monocot Seed
- One cotyledon
- Example: Maize
2. Dicot Seed
- Two cotyledons
- Example: Bean
Differences Between Monocot and Dicot Plants
| Feature | Monocot | Dicot |
|---|---|---|
| Cotyledons | One | Two |
| Venation | Parallel | Reticulate |
| Root system | Fibrous | Tap root |
Important Families (NEET Focus)
1. Fabaceae
- Example: Pea
- Fruit: Legume
- Leaves: Compound
2. Solanaceae
- Example: Potato
- Fruit: Berry
3. Liliaceae
- Example: Lily
- Monocot family
Important NEET & CBSE Points
- Root develops from radicle
- Stem develops from plumule
- Flower is reproductive organ
- Fruit = mature ovary
- Seed = fertilized ovule
Quick Revision Notes
- Root → absorption
- Stem → support
- Leaf → photosynthesis
- Flower → reproduction
- Fruit → seed protection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is morphology?
Study of external structure of plants.
Q2. What is inflorescence?
Arrangement of flowers on axis.
Q3. What is placentation?
Arrangement of ovules in ovary.
Q4. What is a fruit?
Mature ovary after fertilization.
Conclusion
Morphology of flowering plants provides essential knowledge about plant structure, adaptation, and reproduction. It is a highly scoring chapter for CBSE board exams and NEET, especially for diagram-based and conceptual questions.