It's About Stems

 

It’s About Stem

After our UNL Master Gardener class on Tuesday night, the instructor gave us a large three ring binder, a turf book and a bug classification sheet.  This might not excite very many people…but judging from the oohs and aahhs in the room…we were those kind of people.

Basic physical science class information, I’m sure, but as I was not paying attention during class to the subject matter at hand it is exciting new information.  I was not internally motivated in any way to hang on to the new knowledge.

I’m sharing my excitement over what I am learning about stems!  Paul Read writes the first chapter in our binder.  (The Nebraska Master Gardener Volunteer Handbook.  2003)

 Stems are either above the ground as a runner, a crown or a branch.  They can also be under the ground as in rhizome, tuber, bulbs and corms.  I had always thought that tubers were roots but are really an enlarged portion of an underground stem.  Can you believe it?????  A bulb is a stem!!!  A short stem plate and closely spaced buds and fleshy leaves!!!

The parts of a stem called the node are where buds develop into leaves or flowers according to Paul Read.  The areas between the nodes are called the internode. 

Why is this important you ask????  So did I. 

My interpretation? The distance between the nodes is a story about the life and health of the plant.   By paying close attention to the distance between the nodes I should be able to gather information what is happening and do something about it.   

Are my plants too crowded?  Need food?  Need pruned?  Space?  Light? If it has a node then it is a stem and if it doesn’t then it is a root. 

Basically- getting to know the plant and becoming a better observer will lead to healthier plants and more food!