Plants Life

Stem
The stem is the main part of the shoot. The stem can be.
   

Strong stems
The trunk of the trees are thick and strong. It holds the tree straight and upright.
   

Weak stems
Plants like the banana have soft and thick stems. Some plants like the money plant have very weak, soft and thin stems. They need support to grow upwards. These plants are called creepers. Creepers like sweet pea and money plant need support.


Stems of some plants are thick because they store extra food prepared by the plant. Some of these stems such as sugarcane, potato and ginger can be eaten by human beings.

Functions of the stem:
(i) The stem supports the upper parts of a plant.
(ii) It carries water and minerals from the roots to the other parts of the plant.
(iii) It carries food made in the leaves to other parts of the plant.
(iv) Some stems like sugar cane, potato and ginger store food. These stems can be eaten.
Now, we know how stem and its functions are the basic part of a plant.