WOODY PLANTS

WOODY PLANTS AND NON WOODY A woody plant uses wood as its structure have hard, woody stems. Mostly made of cells consisting thick cell walls that give the support Typically perennial plants that dont die after a period of time. These include plants ranging anywhere from trees to shrubs.

Herbaceous plants are smooth and have no wood features in them soft, green stemsThey have underground parts that may regrow new stems.Leaves and stems that die down to soil level after a period of time.These include dandelions, zinnias, petunias, and sunflowers.

Effect of droughtNon woody plants (Herbaceous plants )aren't as efficient at storing energyAs the water seeps deeper into the soil, their short roots are unable to access it. They dont survive long in drought .

Picture shows Effect of drought of non woody plantshort-term drought Symptoms include wilting, marginal leaf scorch, leaf drop, root loss.

After soil moisture is replenished, stomata can take a long time to reopen, delaying adequate exchange of gasses and production of plant carbohydrates (energy).

Stressed trees may also direct energetic resources to production of seeds and cones (energetic partitioning to reproduction) rather than to growth.

These factors create additional stress to plants.

Picture shows Spruce with chlorotic one year needles (arrow)associated with loss of feeder from drought condition the previous season

Long-term drought

During periods of repeated or extreme drought conditions, plants may suffer long-term effects from tissue loss. Reduction in flower and fruit production and a decrease in leaf size.Growth can remain stunted for many years due to loss of critical tissue. Eventually, the damage can kill plant after sometimes .

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