1. Stems
Functions:
1. Transport water & nutrients between the roots and rest of plant
Nutrients are transported in tubes called phloem
Water is transported in tubes called xylem

2. 2. Support
Ensure leaves receive adequate light
3. Food storage

3. Types of stems
Herbaceous
Soft and fragile
Ligneous
Hard and tough

4. Grow horizontally under the ground
Runner
Grows horizontally along ground
Roots grow and attach at various spots along the stem
Rhizomes
Grow horizontally under the ground

5. Corms
Short, enlarged underground stems
Used mainly for storage

6. Cladode (Flattened)
Allows part of the plant to face away from the sun
Succulent
Thick, swollen stems
Hold large amounts of water

7. Thorns
Stems modified into short points