What is Difference between Biennial and Perennial Plants
Difference between Biennial and
Perennial Plants
Biennial plant completes its life
cycle in two growing seasons. The first season’s growth is entirely vegetative,
and is typically characterized by short, low internodes called rosettes. In second season, it bolts, i.e. sends up a
flowering stalk with extended internodes bearing flower and fruits. Root
vegetables like carrots and beets; leafy vegetables like lettuce and cabbage;
and others like onions are biennial in nature.
Perennial plants grow for years,
and most of them are woody. Their growth can be divided into juvenile and
mature phases. During the first phase, the plant grows vegetatively for several
years. In the second phase, reproduction starts, and vegetative and
reproductive growth are concurrent. All of our fruit trees and ornamental
shrubs and trees are perennial, and some herbaceous plants are also perennial.
The above ground parts of such plants are killed in winter while the
underground storage structures, like the tubers of potatoes, survive.