Stemimuutoksia

Stemimuutoksia refers to changes in a plant's stem. These modifications are adaptations that allow plants to better survive and thrive in their specific environments. Common stem modifications include those for storage, support, and vegetative reproduction.

For storage, stems can become thickened and fleshy to store food reserves. Examples include tubers like potatoes, which are swollen underground stems with buds, and rhizomes, which are horizontal underground stems like those found in ginger. Some stems also form bulbs, like onions, where the stem is reduced and the fleshy leaves or scales store nutrients.

Support modifications help plants climb or remain upright. Tendrils, which are thin, coiling structures, can be modified stems that wrap around supports, aiding in climbing for plants like grapevines. Thorns and prickles, sharp protective outgrowths, are also stem modifications found in plants such as roses and hawthorns, deterring herbivores. Some plants develop aerial stems that grow horizontally above the ground, known as stolons or runners, which can root at nodes to form new plants, facilitating vegetative reproduction.

Vegetative reproduction is a significant function of some stem modifications. Stolons, as mentioned, are key for this. Corms, which are short, vertical, swollen underground plant stems, also serve as storage organs and are capable of vegetative reproduction. These diverse stem modifications highlight the adaptability and evolutionary success of plants.