Functions of the stem

Functions of the stem

Primary functions

1. Provides support and bears leaves, flowers and fruits.

2. It transports water and mineral nutrients to the other parts from the root.

3. It transports food prepared by leaves to other parts of the plant body.

Secondary functions

•            Food storage- Example: Solanum tuberosum, Colocasia and Zingiber officinale

•            Perennation / reproduction – Example: Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa

•            Water storage – Example: Opuntia

•            Bouyancy – Example: Neptunia

•            Photosynthesis – Example: Opuntia, Ruscus, Casuarina, Euphorbia, Caralluma.

•            Protection – Example: Citrus, Duranta, Bougainvillea, Acacia, Fluggea, Carissa.

•            Support   -   Example:   Passiflora, Bougainvillea, Vitis, Cissus quadrangularis.