Lesson 2 of 9
Plants differ
Show on a big screenA tulsi plant sits in a pot. A mango tree stands in the yard. Is each a herb, a shrub or a tree?
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Step 1 of 4
- Herb — a soft, green stem.
- Shrub — several woody (hard, like wood) stems, low down.
- Tree — one thick trunk, high branches.
- The stem decides. Height does not.
The rule
Tulsi is a herb and mango is a tree. Feel the stem first. Then look at the branches.
A herb is a plant with a soft, green stem.
A shrub has several hard stems, low down.
A tree has one thick trunk and high branches.
Woody means hard, like wood.
| Type | Stem | Branches | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herb | Soft, green | Few or none | Mint |
| Shrub | Hard, woody | Many stems, low down | Hibiscus |
| Tree | Hard, woody | One trunk, high branches | Mango |
Try the lab to finish this lesson.