plántula

Plântula refers to a young plant developing from an embryonic plant in a seed. It is the earliest stage of a plant's life cycle after germination. A plântula consists of the radicle, which develops into the root system, and the cotyledon(s), which store food reserves or may develop into the first leaves. The plumule emerges from the cotyledon(s) and develops into the shoot, including the stem and leaves. The structure and appearance of a plântula vary significantly between different plant species. Some plântulas have prominent cotyledons that emerge above the soil surface during germination, while in others, they remain below ground. The initial leaves of the plântula are called juvenile leaves and may differ in shape and size from the adult leaves that develop later. This stage is critical for the plant's survival, as it relies on stored food reserves or its nascent photosynthetic capabilities to grow and establish itself. Environmental factors such as light, water, temperature, and nutrient availability play a crucial role in the successful development of a plântula.