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.
