Growth Habit Adaptations - Topic 1 (Plant Science II), Element 6 Flashcards
What does growth habit describe?
The overall appearance, shape, and growth form of a plant
List examples of growth habit adaptations.
- Low to ground (alpines)
- Perennial
- Woody
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
What advantages do growth habit adaptations provide to plants?
- Optimising microclimates
- Surviving adverse winter conditions
- Ecological services
What is a tree?
A woody plant that can support itself, usually with one or a few main stems
Name two examples of trees.
- Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon)
- Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ (Rowan ‘Joseph Rock’)
What distinguishes shrubs from trees?
Shrubs are shorter, multi-stemmed, and branch from relatively low down
What are subshrubs?
Very small shrubs, often creeping, that grow in exposed places
What are the functions of tendrils and adhesive pads in climbers?
- Avoid the worst of the wind
- Gain height without a woody stem
- Compete for light
- Gather extra nutrients
Define herbs in a botanical sense.
Herbaceous plants, which are non-woody and include grasses, bulbs, and herbaceous Eudicots
What is a rosette growth habit?
A circular arrangement of leaves from a central point
Fill in the blank: Trees with a _______ habit grow upwards with a strongly elongated form.
[fastigiate]
What is a cushion form in plants?
A tightly packed growth form that helps plants survive in cold, windy habitats
What is the lifecycle of a perennial plant?
Lives for three or more years
True or False: Monocarpic plants flower and set seed repeatedly.
False
What advantages do deciduous plants have during winter months?
Avoid energy expenditure on leaves that are not needed during cold months
Name an example of a deciduous plant.
- Laburnum anagyroides (common laburnum)
- Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose)
What is the primary characteristic of evergreen plants?
They retain their leaves throughout the year
What is the advantage of evergreen plants retaining leaves all year?
They can photosynthesize and grow whenever conditions are suitable
What is the role of waxy or glossy coatings on evergreen leaves?
To protect against water loss during dry winter or summer months
What are evergreens?
Plants that retain their leaves throughout the year and grow all year at a relatively slow rate.
Evergreens often have waxy or glossy coatings on leaves to protect against water loss.
Why do evergreens retain their leaves all year?
To utilize light and water for photosynthesis and growth whenever conditions are suitable.
This allows them to avoid the need for regrowing leaves annually like deciduous plants.
What adaptations do evergreen trees from cold climates have?
Branches and shoots angled downwards to shed snow and prevent branch breakage.
This adaptation is crucial for survival in snowy environments.
Name an example of a broadleaved evergreen species.
Garrya elliptica (Silk Tasselbush)
Known for its pendulous silver catkins produced from late February to early May.
What is a semi-evergreen plant?
A plant that retains some or most of its foliage throughout the year, shedding it in harsher winters.
They may act like an evergreen in mild climates.
Provide an example of a semi-evergreen plant.
Daphne bholua (Sweet Daphne)
Another example is Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet).
What is the benefit of planting evergreens and semi-evergreens in Autumn or early Spring?
To avoid water deficiency since they do not go dormant in winter.
This timing allows for warmer soil conditions.
What are some terms used to describe plant types?
- Broadleaved evergreen
- Deciduous shrub
- Evergreen herbaceous perennial
- Spreading shrub
- Mat-forming perennial
How does plant diversity benefit ecosystems?
Leads to diversity of animals and fungi, creating numerous microhabitats for various species.
This includes shelter and nesting places for invertebrates, birds, and mammals.
What are tendrils used for in climbing plants?
To gain height without a woody stem and compete for light.
They also include adhesive pads, modified roots, and twining stems.
What is the difference between monocarpic and polycarpic plants?
Monocarpic plants flower once, set seed, and die; polycarpic plants flower and set seed repeatedly.
This affects their reproductive strategies.
List the lifecycle advantages of perennial plants.
- Develop woody stems for support
- Reproduce vegetatively and through seed
- Produce seed year after year
What is the advantage of not having leaves during winter?
Reduces energy usage and water loss through transpiration.
It also minimizes wind damage risk and allows for nutrient recycling through decaying leaves.
What types of plants are suitable for a spring display in gardens?
Annuals or bulbs.
These plants provide vibrant colors and interest at the start of the growing season.
True or False: Evergreens go dormant in winter.
False.
Evergreens and semi-evergreens remain active and require care to avoid water deficiency.
