Sub-aerial Modifications of Stem

Introduction

The experiment titled “Sub-aerial Modifications of Stem” aims to investigate the modifications shown by the sub-aerial stems in different plants like Eicchornia, Chrysanthemum, Oxalis, and Strawberry. Stems that are just above the ground and do not rise are known as sub-aerial stems. These sub-aerial stems grow horizontally and frequently produce roots and leaves from their nodes as a type of asexual reproduction.

The stem is the ascending part of the axis bearing branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. It develops from the plumule of the embryo of a germinating seed. The stem bears nodes and internodes. The regions of the stem where leaves are born are called nodes, while internodes are the portions between two nodes. Stem conducts water, minerals, and photosynthates.

Some stems perform the functions of storage of food, support, protection, and vegetative propagation. The stem undergoes modifications in some plants to perform additional roles, such as food storage, support, vegetative propagation, and protection.

Procedure

• Closely observe the shape and external morphology of each of the specimens.
• Draw diagrams and also observe the morphological differences between the specimens.

Observation

In plants like Eicchornia, Chrysanthemum, Oxalis, and Strawberry, sub-aerial stems are modified for vegetative propagation. The stems of Oxalis plants are modified into runners. The stems of Eichhornia are modified into offsets. The stems of strawberry plants are modified into stolons. The stems of Chrysanthemum plants are modified into suckers.

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