Plants are essential organisms for life on the planet. From providing oxygen to being the basic support for numerous food chains, their impact is omnipresent. But to better understand the world of plants, it is crucial to know their different types, characteristics, and how they are classified. Below, we present a detailed analysis of the types of plants and their characteristics so that you can understand their diversity and function in the ecosystem.
What are plants?
The plants belong to the kingdom Plant and they are autotrophic organisms. This means that they produce their own food by transforming solar energy through the process of photosynthesisThey are composed of eukaryotic cells, which gives them a complex structure and differentiates them from other organisms. In addition, they lack mobility, which means they cannot move like an animal.
Plants originated in water, but evolution allowed them to conquer land. From primitive algae to the largest trees, plants have been able to adapt to practically all ecosystems, from deserts to the coldest climates.
One of the most characteristic features of plants is their ability to play a key role in the carbon cycle, helping to regulate the balance of gases in the atmosphere.
Parts of a plant
Each type of plant may have different characteristics, but generally speaking, all plants share some fundamental parts:
- Root: The root is the organ that anchors the plant to the soil and absorbs water and nutrients. In addition, some plants use the root as a nutrient storage organ.
- Stem: The stem provides support to the plant. It is also responsible for transporting nutrients and water from the roots to the leaves. There are herbaceous stems, which are soft, and woody stems, which are harder and are typical of trees and shrubs.
- Sheets: Leaves are the organs where photosynthesis takes place. They are adapted to capture sunlight and, by absorbing CO2, allow the energy needed by the plant to be produced.
- Flowers: They are the reproductive organs of many plants, formed by petals and sexual organs where pollination takes place. The fruit and seeds emerge after pollination of the flowers.
- Fruits: They are structures that protect the seeds and facilitate their dispersal. In many cases, the fruits are consumed by animals, which helps in the dispersal of the seeds.
Types of plants according to their size
One of the most common ways to classify plants is by size. This classification allows plants to be grouped from the tallest trees to much smaller plants.
Trees
The trees They are tall plants, reaching more than 5 meters. They are characterized by having a woody stem, known as a trunk, which branches out at a certain height from the ground. Examples of trees include oak, pine, and willow. Trees play a crucial role in creating oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide.
Shrubbery
The shrubbery They differ from trees mainly because of their smaller size, as they generally do not exceed 5 metres in height. In addition, they tend to branch out from their base, giving them a more compact appearance. They are woody and perennial plants, like the rose bush or the boxwood, and are highly appreciated in gardening for their ornamental versatility.
Kill
The you kill They are also woody, but smaller than shrubs. They are characterized by being less than a meter tall and usually live for several years. An example of a shrub is rosemary.
Herbs
The Herbs They are plants with soft, flexible stems, called herbaceous stems. Unlike trees and shrubs, herbs have a short life span, usually limited to one or two years, although some are perennial. Examples of this type of plant are wheat, oats and nettles.
Diversity of plants according to their reproduction
Another fundamental way to classify plants is by their method of reproduction. There are flowering plants and non-flowering plants, both with different mechanisms to perpetuate their species.
Flowering plants (Spermatophytes)
The spermatophytes They are plants that produce seeds through sexual reproduction. These plants are divided into two large groups: angiosperms and gymnosperms.
- Angiosperms: They are the most common flowering plants. They have showy flowers and produce fruits that house their seeds. Examples of angiosperms include roses, daisies, and even agricultural crops such as corn and wheat.
- Gymnosperms: Although they also produce seeds, these are not covered by a fruit, but are exposed in structures known as cones. Conifers, such as pines and firs, are examples of gymnosperms.
Plants without flowers
On the other hand, there are plants that do not produce flowers. They are known as cryptogams and their reproduction is carried out by means of spores. These include mosses and ferns, and they predominate in humid forests, where environmental conditions allow them to thrive.
Classification of plants according to their duration
The life cycle of plants is another important criterion for their classification. Depending on the longevity of a plant, it can be annual, biennial or perennial.
Annual plants
The annual plants are those whose life cycle is completed in a single year. They are born, grow, flower, produce fruit and finally die in the course of a single season. An example of these plants are sunflowers.
Biennial plants
The biennial plants Biennial plants are those that have a life span of two years. During the first year, they develop their roots, stems and leaves, while in the second year they flower and produce seeds. Examples of biennial plants are carrots and parsley.
Perennials
The perennials They have a much longer life cycle, and can live for several years. Unlike annuals or biennials, these plants produce flowers and seeds constantly throughout their life. Shrubs and trees are examples of perennial plants.
Importance of plants in daily life
The plants They are essential in almost every aspect of life, from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Below are some of the most relevant benefits:
- Air purification: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is vital for the survival of animals and humans.
- Food chains: All food chains begin with plants, as they are primary producers that convert solar energy into food.
- Medicine and cosmetics: Many plants have been traditionally used to treat diseases, hence the importance of phytotherapy. In addition, several species provide key ingredients in cosmetic products.
- Environmental impact: Plant roots help stabilize soil, preventing erosion. They also play a crucial role in preventing global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
It is clear that plants not only beautify our surroundings, but are essential to life on Earth. From the large trees that form the forests to the small flowers in the garden, each plant fulfills its purpose and contributes to the balance of the ecosystem.