Let us do some research

Before we take a look at whether plants can reproduce without flowers and seeds, let us look at the steps that are taken for scientific research to take place.

The following method is suggested:

The problem:

If you write down the problem related to your research, everyone will know what you are investigating.

At the same time, it helps you to think about what you are going to do and what you will need for the research.

The method:

You explain how you will carry out your research and what you will need.

However, you cannot yet say what you have found out.

Observation:

You make notes of all the information that you gathered or, if it was an experiment, you write down what happened while the experiment was being carried out.

Conclusion:

Now you write down what you found out so that you can share it with other people.

If you tackle your research in this manner, you can be ensured of the fact that you are working like a scientist. A scientist always does research to get questions to his answers. You often also do research without even knowing that you are doing it!

Let us find out something about reproduction in plants.

Problem:

To find out whether new plants can grow from old plants without having formed seeds.

Method:

Cut a leafy twig (about 16 cm long) from any ONE of the following plants which you can acquire in your garden, neighbourhood or vicinity:

Figure 1

Cut all the bottom leaves off the twig. Leave only two or three leaves. We now call the twig a cutting. Plant it in a tin filled with river sand or good soil. Only 8 cm of the cutting may stick out above the soil. Water the cutting well.

Now make holes in a plastic bag and cover the cutting and tin with it. Use an elastic band or a piece of wool (string) to fasten the bag to the tin.

Figure 2

Observation:

Remove the plastic bag after 6 days and then remove the cuttings from the soil.

Is your cutting fresh and green or brown and dried out?

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Did something appear at the bottom end of your cutting?

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If something did, what do you think it is? (leaves, root-hairs, roots)

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Why did it (iii) develop?

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Now replant your cutting in the same tin of soil, covered with a plastic bag. Remove the bag every second day (only during the day; cover your plant at night) for two weeks.

The young plant should now be strong and healthy enough to be transplanted into good garden soil! There are however, plants that cannot be propagated by means of cuttings!

Conclusion:

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Reproductions by means of cuttings

New plants can be grown from the stems of other plants. Plants with soft, green stems develop roots quickly, whilst plants with woody stems take longer. The process is referred to as vegetative reproduction.

Figure 3

The strawberry

The mother plant sends out runners, eventually forming new plants. This is also an example of vegetative propagation.

Can you name another plant that reproduces with runners?

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Reproduction by means of bulbs

Certain plants form bulbs underground that later develop into new plants. Cannas, agapanthus and certain lilies propagate in this manner in uninhabited parts across our country.

Millions of bulbs, grown by experts, are sold in our country every year. Just pop them in the ground, water them well and you will be rewarded with a delightful show of colourful flowers at the end of the season!

Dahlias, anemones and daffodils are only a few examples. Visit your local store and see if you can find bulbs for sale. Try to find the names of FIVE more bulbous plants:

Figure 4

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Figure 8

LEARNING OUTCOME 1: SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONSThe learner will be able to act confidently on curiosity about natural phenomena, and to investigate relationships and solve problems in scientific, technological and environmental contexts.

We know this when the learner:

1.1 plans investigations: together with their co-learners, they list knowledge regarding familiar situations and materials and compile investigative questions;

1.2 leads investigations and collects data: execute instructions and procedures that entail smaller sections;

1.3 evaluates data and communicates findings: provides feedback on progress in group context and on the final result.

(d) Conclusion – own words, but must provide a solution to the problem stated, e.g. plants can reproduce without seeds because roots can grow from cuttings.

(e) Hen and chicken

(a-e) Any examples, e.g. ranunculus, sparaxis, gladiolus, snowdrops, freesias.