1. Leaf Venation
Leaves have lines on them called veins. The pattern of these veins is called venation.
- Reticulate Venation: Veins form a net-like design on both sides of a midrib.
- Examples: Hibiscus, Rose, Peepal, Mango.
- Parallel Venation: Veins run parallel to one another.
- Examples: Grass, Banana, Wheat, Maize.
2. Root Systems
Plants anchor themselves using roots. There are two main types:
- Taproot System: One main thick root grows deep into the soil, with smaller lateral roots branching off.
- Examples: Mustard, Hibiscus, Carrot.
- Fibrous Root System: No main root. A bunch of similar-sized thin roots arise from the base of the stem.
- Examples: Grass, Wheat, Maize.
3. Seeds (Cotyledons)
Seeds contain the future plant. The part that stores food for the baby plant is called the cotyledon (seed leaf).
- Dicots (Dicotyledons): Seeds with two cotyledons (can be split into two halves).
- Examples: Gram (Chana), Beans, Peas, Mango.
- Monocots (Monocotyledons): Seeds with one cotyledon (cannot be split easily).
- Examples: Maize, Wheat, Rice.
The Key Relationship
Nature shows a beautiful pattern connecting these three features. If you know one feature, you can guess the others!
| Leaf Venation | Root System | Seed Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reticulate | Taproot | Dicot | Rose, Mango, Beans, Hibiscus |
| Parallel | Fibrous | Monocot | Grass, Wheat, Maize, Banana |
Tip
Activity: Dig up a weed (wild herb). If its leaves have a net design, it will likely have a long main taproot. If its leaves look like grass (parallel veins), it will have a bunch of fibrous roots.