Let’s start with a look at some interesting leaves! Talk with your partner about the pictures that you see.
There are different ways to describe leaves. We will look at the differences between three pairs of leaves.
The Lotus leaf is round. The corn leaf is long and thin.
The Persimmon leaf is smooth and oval. The cherry leaf is serrated and oval.
Serrated means the edge of the leaf has many small, sharp points.
This is an oval. An Oval is a kind of shape like a circle, square or triangle.
Maple One leaf Wisteria Many leaves
There are different ways to describe the position of leaves on a stem. Position means- where the leaf is on the stem. We will look at three words to describe the position of leaves on a stem.
Alternate : One leaf grows from each node on the stem. node stem
Opposite : Two leav es grows from each node on the stem. node stem
Whorled : More than two leav es grow from each node on the stem. node stem
Look at the leaves and describe the leaf position!
Whorled
Opposite
Whorled
Alternate
Opposite
Alternate
Types of Stems There are different types of plant stems.
Straight Stem The Balsam plant has a straight stem . Straight stems support themselves.
Climbing Stem The Morning Glory has a climbing stem . Climbing stems wrap around other things to support themselves.
Trailing Stems Strawberries have trailing stems . Trailing stems grow along the ground.
Types of Bark There are different types of bark. Bark is like the skin of a tree. Bark can be described using color and texture.
Texture Texture is the way something feels. Texture Words: Soft Hard Rough Smooth Bumpy
Soft
Hard
Rough
Smooth
Bumpy
Pine Tree Bark What does this look like? What do you think this feels like?
Keyaki Tree Bark What does this look like? What do you think this feels like?
Ginko Tree Bark What does this look like? What do you think this feels like?
Types of Roots Roots anchor a plant in the soil. Roots absorb water and transport it to the plant. Roots absorb nutrients and transport them to the plant. Some roots store food.
Tap Root The first root produced from a seed is called the radicle . In many dicot plants this root grows very large and becomes the main root of the plant. It is called a tap root . Many smaller roots, called secondary roots , may grow from the tap root.
Tap Root Tap root Secondary roots
Fibrous Roots In monocot plants, the radicle is replaced by many roots of more less equal size. These roots spread out over a large area like a net .
Fibrous Roots Look like a net.
Some examples of fibrous roots are in the garlic and scallion plants. Garlic Scallion
Let’s design our own flowers. You need to decide some of its features. What kind of stem does it have? (Straight, Climbing or Trailing?) How does it leaves grow? (Whorled, Alternate or Opposite) Does it have any thorns on its stem? What kind of roots does it have? (Tap Root or Fibrous Root) What does its leave look like? What kind of fruit does it have? What’s its fruit’s name? Draw its flower, what color is it? Does it have any special features like poisonous leaves? Where does your plant grow? If it’s a tree, what does the bark look like?
Plant Name : Ada idil Fruit Name: Mocca berry How do the leaves grow? Whorled Describes the leaves: The leaves long and thin. What type of stem does it have? It has a straight stem. What type of roots does it have? It has fibrous roots. Does your plant have any special features? If you eat the leaves of Adaidil you will have amazing energy. You can go two days without sleeping.