• External Structure of the Plant – Parts of

the plant on the outside.

• The Root
 Types of Root Systems
 Functions of the Root System
 Specialized Root Systems
AXILLARY TERMINAL BUD
BUD
FLOWER

FRUIT

NODE
SHOOT
SYSTEM
NODE

INTER-
NODE NODE

STEM LEAF

LATERAL
OR SIDE ROOT
ROOT SYSTEM
MAIN ROOT
 The Shoot System is
found
ABOVE
ground and the Root System
is found

BELOW or UNDER
ground.
Looks like a
tangled mass
of roots
Examples of plants
With this root
system are
 Banana

All Grasses
 Coconut
 Rice
 Corn
 Sugar Cane
Have a large main
central root

Have many branching

roots

Go deep in the soil

Examples of plants :
 Large trees e.g.
mango, avocado
 Shrubs e.g. tomato,
peppers
Plant attaches itself to
tree branch or
telephone wire

Roots hang down in

mid-air and absorb
water from rainfall

Examples :
Wild Pine
Some Orchids
 STILT
ROOTS
e.g.
Mangrove
PROP
ROOTS
e.g.
Corn
ADVENTITIOUS Roots -
Grow from unusual places on plants such as
- Stems, leaves and even fruits
Roots :
- anchor plants firmly in the ground
- absorb water and minerals
from the soil
- of some plants,
can store starch
- of some plants can
be used to grow
a new plant