This type of reproduction allows a plant to spread and rapidly take over an area. In nature a thickened structure is usually filled with either water or carbohydrates. Structures that store food have usually evolved to allow a plant to survive a rest period when food is not produced, for example, winter. A bud contains immature plant parts. Terminal buds are found at the tips of a stem while axillary buds are found in the axis of a leaf.
Terminal buds produce a hormone that inhibits the growth of the axillary buds.
Dormant buds are protected by thick waxy bud scales. As a stem germinates it immediately sends out a primary root. This first root absorbs water which is needed for the seedling to develop. As the primary root elongates, secondary or side roots develop. Cells in the last region will form fragile root hairs through which most water and nutrients enter a plant.