
The Anatomy Of A Tree
In this tutorial, we will learn about all the different parts, or anatomy of a tree.
Anatomy means all the little parts that come together to make one big part. In this case, a tree. So, what are the parts of a tree? Well, a tree has three main parts:
- Roots
- Trunk
- Crown
Each of these three parts can be broken down further into even smaller parts.
The divisions of a tree
If we were to divide up the main parts of a tree, we will find that each one is made up of even smaller sections:
- Roots are made up of large roots, smaller roots, tiny roots called rootlets, and even tinier root hairs
- Tree trunks are made up of different layers too, called bark, cambium, sap-wood and heart-wood
- The crown of a tree is made up of large branches, smaller branches and twigs
Anatomy by the seasons
- In the spring, you might find buds, blossoms or catkins
- During the summer, you will see leaves, flowers, fruit and berries
- Then, in the autumn, the leaves fall off and you find nuts and seeds
- Finally, during winter, you find only buds – unless it is a conifer or evergreen tree. (In which case you will find leaves and cones nearly all the year round.)
Under the microscope
If you were to take a little piece of a tree and look at it under a microscope – any piece of the tree, you would notice that they can all be broken down even further into teeny tiny parts called cells… and even tinier parts called organelles… all the way down into atoms!
And there are many different types of cells, organs and organelles. In fact, they even arrange themselves into structures inside the tree, each of which has its own special job to do.
For example, phloem and xylem tubes run all the way up and down the tree from its roots to its leaves carrying food and water. While chlroplasts can be found inside mesothelial cells in the leaves. These have a job called photosynthesis. This means they use sunshine to help the tree make energy.
Summary
Each tree is made up of lots of smaller parts, arranged by structure and function.
Tree Anatomy Nature Study
Your first task, is to download the tree anatomy resource so you can see all the different parts a tree.
Your next task, is to find a tree and see if you can notice all the little parts of the tree in real life.
- Start by noticing its roots, trunk and crown.
- Then look at the roots again – can you see how the bigger roots divide into smaller roots?
- Next, follow the trunk up and see how it splits into larger and smaller branches
- Try to reach a twig and examine it carefully.
- Can you see any buds or leaves… or anything else?
- Look at a leaf and trace its stem and veins.
- What else can you see on your tree?