What is the term used for the aerial parts of a plant?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the UCF BOT4850 Medical Botany Exam. Study with diverse question types and detailed explanations. Master key concepts and excel in your exam!

The term that refers to the aerial parts of a plant is "Herba." This term encompasses all parts of the plant that are above the ground, including stems, leaves, and flowers. In the context of botany, the aerial parts of a plant are often studied for their medicinal properties, as many bioactive compounds are concentrated in these areas.

In contrast, "Radix" specifically refers to the root of a plant, which is the underground part and typically serves different functions compared to the aerial parts. "Folium" refers to leaves, which are indeed part of the aerial structure but do not encompass the entirety of it as "Herba" does. "Stip" is not a commonly recognized botanical term in this context; it may refer to stipules, which are small leaf-like structures at the base of leaf stalks, but does not describe the overall aerial parts of a plant. Thus, "Herba" is the most accurate and comprehensive term for describing the aerial portions of plants.