Aerial roots are roots that grow above the ground. An aerial root develops from a branch or stem above the surface of earth or water. These roots are found in plants, such as orchids, mangrove trees, banyan trees, ‘pohutukawa’ trees of New Zealand and vines like poison ivy and common ivy. Aerial roots have different […]

Algae are plant-like living organisms that are found all over the world. They can make food from sunlight by photosynthesis. Algae are aquatic and do not have leaves, roots and other organs-like land plants. Algae are of different types of colours such as red algae, blue-green algae, etc. They grow in clusters. The single cell

Forestry is the science and practice of wisely managing and using natural resources that are associated with forests. These forest resources are plants, wildlife, soil, wood, water, fish, etc. Forests are important for the survival of human beings. They provide us with oxygen, food products such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, medicines, and raw material for

Hybrid corn is a superior quality of corn. It is a combination of the best varieties of corns. About fifty years ago, plant scientists discovered a method of producing hybrid corn. This good quality corn was developed by repeating the process of cross breeding of different varieties of corns and saving only the best plants

Bamboo is a plant of the grass family. It has a hard, woody and hollow stem. It is an evergreen plant which means it stays green round the year. It is a fast-growing plant. Its shoot grows at the rate of 41 cm/day. This plant is used for: • making Chinese medicines.• building houses and

Chlorophyll is a green pigment. It is present as disc-like units in chloroplasts in the leaves of green plants. It plays an important role in producing food in the form of sugar in leaves. It is also found in the cells of stems and flowers. Chlorophyll makes sugar in the presence of sunlight, minerals, water

The bright colours and scent of flowers attract us. The fragrance of a flower is due to the presence of essential oils in its petals. These essential oils are complex substances. They produce volatile oils which keep on evaporating. The vapour of these volatile oils is fragrant in nature. This is the reason why we

Fungi are simple plants that grow on other living things. They do not have roots, stems and leaves like other plants. Fungi are much closer to animals than plants because of their biology. They are found growing in moist places as they need water for the digestion of food and growth. They lack chlorophyll and

A true annual is a plant that completes its life cycle in one year. They grow from seed, bloom, produce seeds, and die in one growing season. Annual plants provide beautiful colourful flowers from spring through fall. Some most famous annuals are petunias, marigolds, and zinnias. Plants that live for two years are called biennial

Conservation means preservation or saving. It is an effort made by humans to protect natural resources on the Earth. Natural resources are of two types: renewable that can be renewed and replenished after use and non-renewable that cannot be replenished. The need for conservation of these resources has arisen due to overuse and destruction of

A seed is a baby plant (embryo) enclosed in a protective outer covering known as the seed coat. Seeds are produced by the flowers of the plant. A seed begins to grow when it gets proper amount of water, air and warmth. This process is called sprouting or germination. The baby plant that comes out

Every part of a tree or plant receives water and nutrition in the form of sap. This sap comes from roots. Roots absorb sap from soil. The transport of sap from roots to the various parts of plants is based on different scientific principles such as: osmotic pressure, transpiration and cohesion of water. First, water

Lichens are plant-like organisms that do not have roots, leaves or flowers. Lichens are colourful and their colour ranges from pale grey to bright green in moist conditions. There are about 15,000 species of lichens exist on the Earth. They grow in waste places, on bare rocks, bare soil, dead wood and tree bark. They