stem
square |
stem
angular |
stem
oval |
stem
triangular |
stem
round |
stem
hollow |
stem
winged |
stem
ribbed |
stem
fluted |
stem
milkysap |
stem
spines |
Many plants of the mint family have square cross-sectional stem shapes, but this characteristic is not confined exclusively to the mint family. Some Willowherbs, some Figworts, some Bedstraws, some Plantains, some Saxifrages and some St Johns Wort plants also have square stems.
Far fewer plants have triangular cross sections. There are some plants which seem to have 5, 6 or maybe even more sides, and a Broom with ten facets. Some Sow Thistles have multi-facetted stems especially in those parts lower down nearer the roots.
Most leaves, of course, have only two sides.
Some stems are solid, whereas others are hollow. Some have ridges (which could vary from two to four in number), or even have wings up the stem (a bit like moulding flashes). Those with wings may have two opposite, or four at right-angles.
 SQUARE
These stems are square in cross-section, and may be ridged, furrowed or hollow as well.
ANGULAR
These stems are angular in cross-section with more than four faces, and may also be ridged, furrowed or hollow as well.
OVAL
These stems are oval in cross-section rather than round, and may also be ridged, furrowed or hollow as well.
TRIANGULAR
These stems are tri-angular in cross-section with only three faces, and may also be ridged, furrowed or hollow as well. The actual shape may be isoscelese or equilateral.
ROUND
These stems are round in cross-section and may also be ridged, furrowed or hollow as well.
WINGED
These stems have wings or 'flanges' on the stems, usually running parallel to the stem. They may have two, or more wings. The stem itself could be any shape, round, square, whatever. For the purpose of this website only, 'winged' also includes those plants with 'welted' stems, such as on Welted Thistle , where the wing may be dis-continuous, or spiral around the stem.
SPINES
These stems have sharp spines or thorns or perhaps stiff bristles on the stems and/or leaves. Enough to scratch or prick the skin.
RIBBED
These stems have ribbed or ridged stems, but the stems themselves could be any shape, not necessarily square as shown.
FLUTED
These stems have fluted or furrowed or perhaps slightly concave stems, but the stems themselves could be any shape, not necessarily squarish as shown. Examples are Bilberry, Rhubarb (although these are the stem leaves, which are extremely concave, like celery) and Broom, although one mans flute or furrow looks like another mans rib or ridge...
HOLLOW
These stems are hollow in cross-section. They may be round, square, triangular or any other cross-section and may, or may not be, full of a milky latex or sap.
MILKY SAP
orange
These stems, when broken or cut, ooze a milky sap or latex. This may be milky white, yellow, orange or some other colour. If not white then underneath the icon will be a word saying which colour the sap is, as here (orange).
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