Author: Boudine Kruger
Plants are essential to life on Earth; they are important for our survival and well-being and have enormous ecological, economic and cultural values. Without plants, nothing else on earth would be able to survive and thrive. Plants are made up of many different parts that all have important jobs to do. Here are a few of the main parts of a plant and their functions:
Roots
The roots of a plant are the parts that are underground. The function of the roots is to hold onto the ground and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Without roots, the plant would not be able to survive.
Stems
The stem of a plant is the part that connects the roots to the leaves and flowers. It helps to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.
Leaves
Leaves are the parts of a plant that are usually green and are located at the top of the stem. They help the plant to make food through a process called photosynthesis. They absorb sunlight, allowing the plant to produce nutrients from water and carbon dioxide.
Flowers
Flowers are the parts of the plant that are usually brightly coloured and are used for reproduction. One of the main functions of a flower is that it contains the plant’s reproductive organs, the male and female parts, which help the plant make seeds.
Fruits
Some plants produce fruit, which is the plant part that contains the seeds. Fruit can be tasty and is often eaten by animals and humans.
Seeds
Seeds are produced by flowers and fruits. When seeds fall on the ground and find a good place to grow, they will sprout and grow into a new plant. This is how plant species spread and become more. Farmers also use seeds to grow plants for food.
All of these parts are important for a plant to survive and grow. The roots help the plant to get the water and nutrients it needs, the stem helps transport those things throughout the plant, the leaves help the plant make food, the flowers and fruits help the plant reproduce, and the seeds are the beginnings of new plants to help nature grow and thrive.