Plant Glossary

Bulb: underground storage organ

Cones: reproductive structure containing ovule-bearing scales

Cotyledons: seed leaves; not "true" leaves Seed: plant structure that results when the ovule matures as a result of fertilization

Flower: reproductive structure of angiosperm

Germination: start of growth (seed, spore)

Leaves: usually green, photosynthetic tissue

Phloem: sugar transport system in plants (movement is down)

Pistil: structure containing ovary, style(tube), and stigma (top entrance)

Root: below-ground plant axis, anchors plant, absorbs water and minerals

Spore: haploid cell, formed in ferns, mosses, etc.

Stamen: pollen-producing part of flower

Stem: above-ground axis of plant

Stomata: small openings in leaves, usually in the underside only

Xylem: water transport system in plants (movement is up)