Which part of a plant is included in the shoot system?

The shoot system of a plant primarily consists of the parts that are above the ground, which includes leaves and stems. The leaves are the sites where photosynthesis occurs, converting sunlight into energy, while the stems provide structural support and transport nutrients and water between the roots and the leaves.

In contrast, roots are part of the root system, which is responsible for anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. Bulbs, although they can be part of certain plants' reproductive structures, are typically considered storage organs and can be located below ground, separating them functionally from the shoot system. Underground rhizomes are also part of the root system, as they serve as horizontal underground stems for vegetative propagation and nutrient storage, further reinforcing that they do not fit within the shoot system's designated structure.