Describe modifications of stem with suitable examples.
Explanation Some plants, like ginger and banana, has underground stem called rhizome. While the underground stem of Colocasia is called corms. Potato underground stem is called tuber. Rhizome, tuber and corms are modified stems which are used for storing food and vegetative reproduction. In some plants, the stem has a thin, slender, coiled structure called tendrils. Tendrils help in giving support to plants. Examples: cucumber, melon. The stem of citrus plants and bougainvillea has sharp, pointed structure called thorns. Thorns provide plant protection from herbivores. The stem of Opuntia is green which helps in the process of photosynthesis in the absence of leaves. Final Answer The modification of stem helps plants to perform various functions and gives plants desirable protection. There are various modification of stem- Potato tuber Rhizome in ginger and banana Corms in Colocasia Tendrils Thorns
