- THE BASIC EXTERNAL ANATOMY OF THE RICE STEM HAS A STRUCTURE SIMILAR TO OTHER MONOCOT GRASSES. Below is a diagram showing the general features of the stem's external structure.

A more detailed description of each of the parts:

Another name for the stem of the rice plant is the CULM. The culm consists of several NODES spaced apart by INTERNODES 1 cm apart near the base, and further apart towards the top of the rice plant. The internodal length can reach 10-30 cm at the formation of the panicle from the last internode.

At the base of the culm is a bladeless bract called the PROPHYLLUM. At the base we also find ADVENTITIOUS ROOTS that aid the plant in support.

The first leaves are generated at the first node. Their SHEATHS envelop the main culm or what is called the PRIMARY TILLER. It is common to see SECONDARY TILLERS that also have leaves with leaf sheaths. Secondary tillers arise from the first node of the primary tiller and generally have a fewer number of leaves.

At the leaf junction at the furthermost node, LIGULES and a pair of AURICLES occur. The panicle also forms at the uppermost node and gives rise to the spikelets or fruits of the rice plant.

Below are pictures of an actual internode and node of the rice plant:

Here is a medial longitudinal section of the lower part of an internode, and next to it an external view of the node of the rice plant. FOR AN INTERNAL VIEW OF THE NODAL REGION, LINK HERE.

Introduction | Flowers&Fruit | Roots | Stems | Leaves