What are plants?
Plants are living things that grow in soil and make their own food using sunlight and water. Plants are found everywhere — in gardens, forests, fields, pots, and even in water.
- Parts of a plant
- A plant has several important parts:
- Root — grows underground. It holds the plant in the soil and absorbs water and minerals from the soil.
- Stem — grows above the ground. It carries water and food between the roots and leaves.
- Leaf — flat and green. Leaves make food for the plant using sunlight and air. This process is called photosynthesis.
- Flower — the colourful part of the plant. Flowers help the plant make fruits and seeds.
- Fruit — grows from the flower. Fruits contain seeds inside them.
- Seed — a tiny part from which a new plant can grow.
- Types of plants
- Trees — very tall plants with a thick, woody stem (trunk). Examples: mango, banyan, neem, peepal.
- Shrubs — medium-sized plants with many stems. Examples: rose, hibiscus, lemon.
- Herbs — small, soft plants used for food or medicine. Examples: mint, coriander, tulsi.
- Creepers — plants that grow along the ground. Examples: pumpkin, watermelon.
- Climbers — plants that grow by climbing on walls or fences. Examples: money plant, grapevine.
- How do plants help us?
- They give us food — fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices.
- They give us oxygen to breathe.
- They give us wood for furniture and paper.
- They give us medicines.
- They give shade and keep the air cool and clean.
Common mistakes
Children often think that only big trees are plants. Remember, small herbs, creepers, and even algae in water are also plants.
Summary
Plants are living things with roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. There are many types of plants — trees, shrubs, herbs, creepers, and climbers. Plants give us food, oxygen, medicine, and much more.