Besides its branches, roots, and leaves, a mature tree also grows another important structurethe flower (or cone, in the case of evergreens).Trees come in various shapes and sizes but all have the same basic botanical parts and structure.The bark-covered trunk supports a framework of branches and twigs known as the trees crown.Branches, in turn, are covered in leaves and sometimes flowers.
Each tree is anchored in the ground by a network of roots, which spread and grow thicker in proportion to the growth of the tree above the ground. In a mature tree, most of the cells of the trunk, roots, and branches are dead or inactive. New tissue growth takes place at only a few points on the tree, by the division of specialized cells. These actively growing areas are located at the tips of branches and roots and in a thin layer just inside the bark. Lastly, trees have reproductive structures: either flowers or cones. All of this information can help you find the essential markers needed to identify a tree. Leaves, bark, twigs, and fruit can make quick work of tree identification. Powered by sunlight, the green substance in leaves, called chlorophyll, uses carbon dioxide and water to produce life-sustaining carbohydrates through the process of photosynthesis. Leaves are also responsible for respiration and transpiration. A trees leaves are one major marker that helps in identifying the species. The star shape of sweetgum, for example, is totally different from the heart-shaped leaf of an eastern redbud. ![]() Each aspect has a name and is used as part of the identification process. A leaf can either be simple (no extra leaflets) or compound (three or more leaflets). This leaf structure is always a help with tree identification because of each tree species leaf structure. On a simple leaf, the leaf blade is singly attached to a twig or twig stem. On a compound leaf, all leaflets are attached to a single leaf stem or rachis. Compound leaves can be confusing because of the many variations of leaf structure. The major differences are palmate leaves, leaflets or lobes that grow from a leaf stem in the manner of a hand. Pinnate leaves grow leaflets on opposite sides of a leaf stem. There are also leaves that have double-compound or twice-compound leaflets.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |