Plants come in many sizes and shapes. We can group them by how they grow, and we can compare their leaves by their shapes and structure.
1. Types of plants
- Trees are usually tall and have a strong, woody trunk. Examples include oak, mango, and apple trees.
- Shrubs are smaller, bushy plants with several woody stems growing near the ground. Roses and hibiscus are shrubs.
- Herbs have soft, green stems. Mint, basil, and grass are examples.
- Climbers have weak stems, so they grow upward by holding onto supports. Pea plants and grapevines are climbers.
- Creepers have weak stems that spread along the ground. Pumpkin and watermelon plants are creepers.
Plants can also be grouped as flowering or non-flowering. Roses and sunflowers produce flowers. Ferns and mosses do not make flowers.
2. Types of leaves
Leaves can be different sizes, colors, and shapes. Some are round, oval, long, heart-shaped, or needle-like. Pine trees, for example, have thin leaves that look like needles.
- Simple leaves have one main leaf blade, such as an oak leaf.
- Compound leaves are divided into several small leaflets attached to one leaf stalk, like a neem leaf.
3. What do leaves do?
Leaves help a plant make food using sunlight, air, and water. This process is called photosynthesis. Leaves also let water vapor escape through tiny openings and help the plant exchange gases.
Try this: Look at three plants near you. Notice whether each is a tree, shrub, herb, climber, or creeper. Then compare the shapes and sizes of their leaves.