Parts of a Flower Stem

The flower stem is structured much like a stem of a herbaceous plant. Its main purposes are to support the flower and to conduct water and nutrients to the flower head.

Epidermis

The epidermis is the skin of the flower stem. It is a living layer of cells that helps protect and support the flower stem.

Cortex

The cortex is the fleshy material inside the epidermis and between the vascular bundles inside the stem.

Vascular Bundles

Vascular bundles are the nutrient transport system of the plant, analogous to the veins and arteries in animals. They transfer nutrients and water to the leaves and flowers, and they transfer carbohydrates produced in the leaf to the rest of the plant.

Xylem

Xylem tissues are tiny tubes found at the center of the vascular bundle that transport water and nutrients to the flower head.

Phloem

Phloem is the part of the vascular bundle that transports carbohydrates, which are a by-product of the photosynthesis process, from the leaf to the rest of the plant.

References

• Stem and Root Anatomy
• Plants and Their Structure