What is the difference between a tree and a bush? Let's find the answer to this question

On our planet, there are three main types of vegetation: trees, shrubs and herbaceous species. They all have their own characteristics. Herbs are easy to distinguish from bushes and trees. But the last two types can not be distinguished. Therefore, it is necessary to establish, what is the difference between a tree and a bush? To do this, for starters it would be nice to formulate the key key characteristics of these plants.

What is characteristic of trees?

Those who do not know how to distinguish a tree from a bush, it would be good to get acquainted with the peculiarities of these species. Here, not everything is so complicated. Trees are called perennial plants, the distinctive feature of which is considered a lignified trunk. It is worth noting that coniferous species and palm trees have a main trunk. It plays the role of the axis of the plant and forms the crown. And deciduous trees have a ramified trunk. The total number of varieties from the considered classification on the planet is divided into two main groups. The first is coniferous. They are also called primitive. The latter are broad-leaved types, which appeared much later than coniferous plants.

On the other hand, according to the way in which trees renew their foliage, they are also divided into species. These are deciduous plants that discard their cover in the fall. And they update it in the spring. Evergreen trees replace the leaves year-round, consistently and in small quantities. These traits need to be known. They will help understand what distinguishes a tree from a bush.

The structure of the tree

Unlike the bush, the tree has three distinct parts: the root system, the main trunk and the crown. Let us consider them in more detail.

The root system is hidden underground (99%). It, like an anchor, keeps the plant in the soil, even on inclined surfaces. That's why often, to strengthen the slopes of ditches or cliffs, they are planted with trees. With the help of roots, plants absorb nutrients and water from the soil. There are trees that can adapt to extreme conditions and grow so-called air roots. They absorb water from the air and even participate in photosynthesis.

The trunk is mainly designed to perform the transport function. It is through it that mineral substances and water are transferred. Meanwhile, it fulfills the duty of supporting the tree and is a kind of "storehouse" for the preservation of nutrients. The trunk is covered by a special shell - bark. It is needed to protect the tree from the effects of temperature, wind, sunlight and dangerous insects. Therefore, we can say that the main difference between a tree and a bush is the trunk.

The crown, in fact - is the total number of twigs and leaves of the plant in question. Its main function is to participate in photosynthesis.

What is a bush?

Shrubs call perennial plants with several stiff primary branches. But unlike trees, the duration of viability of one bush averages about 20 years. However, it has the property of rejuvenating. From its root, new shoots grow, which soon form a new plant. Shrubs can be from 0.5 m to 6 m in height. They are often used as a hedge. As in coniferous and deciduous forests, the undergrowth is formed from different types of shrubs. Among domestic, the most common species are popular currants, gooseberries, barberries, lilacs.

Structure of the bush

First of all, it should be remembered that the plants in question do not have trunks. This is the main thing, what distinguishes a tree from a bush. From the root grow primary branches. From them, secondary branches can branch out and so on. In relation to the root system, the bushes have one nuance: if the plant was grown from seeds, then it has a pronounced root. If the reproduction was carried out in a vegetative way, then the root system has a furry form. This information can be useful when choosing seedlings. Most shrubs, especially fruit trees, have roots that grow at shallow depths (up to 20-25 cm). But there are also plants that go back by 1.5 m.

Main differences

It has already been said about how to define a tree. From the bush these plants differ by the presence of the trunk. This is the simplest and most visible factor in the structure. If in the bushes from one root can grow several primary branches, then for a tree is characterized by one trunk. Usually trees live much longer. Their average height is several times larger than the size of the bush. Although in rare cases, there are instances that do not fall under this definition. In addition, the difference is that bushes have the ability to rejuvenate, in contrast to trees. The root system of the last plants is much more powerful, stronger and bigger. Usually people use shrubs in the form of a hedge, a source of fruit or for the extraction of medicinal substances. Wood, among other things, is also used as wood. This invaluable material is almost indispensable in certain types of industry and construction. So, we found out what distinguishes a tree from a bush.