TREE ANATOMYMegan KetchumVirginia Cooperative Extension

OBJECTIVES:Learn structure and function of tree partsIdentify key termsUnderstand the interaction of structure and function in tree biologyHands-on twig identification

AGENDA:Overview Tree Structure

Plant vs. AnimalTree ClassificationsHow Trees Grow

Tree PartsCrown: Leaves, Stems, Branches, BarkTrunk: Xylem, PhloemRoot: Meristem, Root hair, Mycorrhizae

Key Concepts/Take Home Message

OVERVIEW TREE STRUCTURE

Plants vs. AnimalsWhat’s the difference?

TREE STRUCTURE

Why don’t plants walk?

Who is more advanced a plant or animal?

TREE STRUCTURE

Gymnosperm vs. Angiosperm Bryophytes?

TREE STRUCTURE

Deciduous vs. Evergreen

TREE STRUCTURE

Monocot vs. Dicot

Bonus Questions:Are pine trees monocots or dicots?Do all dicots flower?If monocots don’t have wood how do they support themselves?

TREE STRUCTURE

Monoecious vs. Dioecious

WHAT MAKES A TREE A TREE?Heights at least 4.5 meters (about 15 feet)Single dominant woody stem (trunk or bole)Capable of diameter growthPerennial plant (present at all seasons of the year)

TREE STRUCTURE

TREE STRUCTURE OVERVIEW:

TREE STRUCTURE

Where do trees grow?How do trees grow?After growth what happens?

TREE PARTS: LEAVES

Functions:PhotosynthesisTranspiration

LEAVES

LEAVES

LEAVES

Bonus Questions

Why do plants loose their leaves?

LEAVES

BREAK TIME!!!!!10 Minutes!

CROWN: STEM

CROWN: STEM

STEM

STEM/BRANCH

STEM /APICAL DOMINANCE

TREE FORM

ExcurrentDecurrent

Do you see a connection between the habit of leaf loss and the growth pattern?

BRANCH/TRUNK

BRANCH/TRUNK

How does compartmentalization work?

BRANCH/TRUNK

BRANCH/TRUNK

Branches and Bark Ridge

ROOTS

ROOTS

ROOTS

Mycorrhizae

KEY CONCEPTS/ TAKE HOME MESSAGE

AutotrophsPhotosynthesisHormonesMeristemIndeterminate growthArchitectural designTrophismAllelopathic

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!!!