Specialized Organs for Plant Propagation

Specialized Organs for Plant Propagation has many functions that make them different from normal or primary organs for vegetative propagation. The specialized organs work in a specific manner to aid the overall vegetative propagation process. This process can be used for a variety of species. The special organs for vegetative propagation are:

1. Spores

Cormicles or spores are the basic specialized organs for plant propagation. They can be used for creating new plants, starting seeds, and producing different types of fruit. In most cases they have very little effect on the health of the plant and its ability to produce new growth. In some cases, specialized organs for propagating plants can be used to protect and nurture the orchid shoots during the period of its development after it is established.

2. Roots

Hyphae (or roots) are tiny root systems. They provide nourishment to the other parts of the plant as well as protection from harsh elements. They are very important in the process of vegetative propagation. A root may be injured and cannot perform its usual functions. In this instance, the hyphen can be used to aid in the growth of the affected part so that it can resume its normal role in the process of vegetative propagation.

3. Primary Structures

All parts of the plant are constructed in a similar way. The primary structure includes the stem, the leaves, the roots, the rhizomes, the apices, and the sepals. Different parts have their own functions, but these are arranged in a pattern that is similar throughout the system. The main organs of plant structure are made up of a series of discs that constitute the leaves. Some of the major types of leaves include:

3.1 Leaves

The principal tissues of the leaves are divided into two sections. The upper tissue is called the papillaris. It has a broad, flat surface and possesses several pointed projections that lie close together. The other section of the leaves is known as the spinosporium. It has a thin, horny surface and possesses several pointed projections that lie closer together. The main function of the papillaris and the spinosporium is to provide support for the entire leaf.

3.2 Flowering Buds

Flowering buds also have structures that differ slightly from the leaves. Flowering buds are known as monopodial leaves. Flowering buds have a tapering base and a protruding flute-shaped end. The leaves are constructed in a similar manner to flowers.

4. Secondary Structures

The secondary or supplementary structures are also used in the process of making plants grow. These include the apical region, the lateral region, and the internarial region. Apical leaves are small, dark-colored leaves that appear on the tips of apical branches. Lateral ornaments have short or long leaves, and the internarial or the middle portion is dark-colored.

5. Functions of Organs

All the specialized organs for plant propagation mentioned above perform different functions. Each of them is designed in a way to perform a specific task. The functions of the organs vary, but their functions are related to one another. The primary functions are summarized in the glossary.

6. Transverse Divisions of Leaf

Transverse divisions of the leaf take place when two lateral or one bud starts to form at the same time. This leads to a division of the leaf into two leaflets, thus producing two parts of the leaf. This particular division is called as the cambium. The other division, called as the principal leaf, is not as frequent as the first one.

7. Cords of Leaf

Umbilical cords are structures of the leaf that joins its neighboring leaves. It starts from the lowest leaf and extends to the rest of the leaves. At some point, the cords divide to form a number of leaves. The number of leaves increases as it progresses upward. A single stem has no cord and is completely unformed.

8. Buds

Flowering buds that form at the tips of the leaves. They are called so because they resemble flowers. However, they do not actually start growing until they attach to the main stem. When the buds reach the tips of the main leaf, they start to open. In turn, the opening leads to the creation of a void in which a seed can be planted.

9. Petals

The needle-like petals are attached to the stem by strong roots. The stems grow in a straight line. The appearance of the plant depends on the type of flower bud. For example, if a flower bud is shaped like a needle, the plant would look like a flower. On the other hand, if the bud had a bulbous appearance, it would resemble a bean.