Class XI
Analysis of various PMTs from 2013-20132014201520162017AIPMT/NEET35593AIIMS11131AMU754Kerala56K-CET323J & K32MORPHOLOGY OF FLOWERING
PLANTS - I
- Morphology deals with the study of form, size, colour, structure and relative positions of
various parts of organisms. It indicates the structural adaptations of organisms to their
environment. - As we know, flowering plants or angiosperms are the most advanced and abundant of
all the plants and show great diversity in their form, size, life span, habit, etc. Hence,
knowledge of morphology is essential for recognition or identification of plants. - Before proceeding with the possible variations and adaptations of different parts of plant, let
us have a look at types of plant on the basis of their habit, life span, habitat, nutrition, etc.
CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS
Herbs- Small plants with soft, delicate and green
stems normally growing to a height of less
than 2 m. - These may be annuals (e.g., mustard, pea,
rice, etc.), biennials (e.g., beet, carrot, etc.)
or perennials (e.g., ginger, banana, etc.).
Trees- Tall plants with a thick woody main stem called trunk.
- The trunk may remain unbranched (caudex), produce
narrow lateral branches (excurrent) or disappear
after some distance so that the crown appears dome
shaped (deliquescent). - These are perennials, e.g., Mangifera indica, Dalbergia, etc.
Mainly of
three typesShrubs- These are usually taller than herbs, measuring 1-3 m in height and have woody stems.
- These branch profusely from near the ground and thus, become bushy in habit without a clear trunk.
- These are perennials, e.g., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Capparis, etc.
On the basis of habit
(Based on height, duration and
nature of stem)