The term "plant matter" refers to all parts and components of a plant, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruits, seeds, bark, wood, and any other organic material derived from plants. It encompasses both above-ground and below-ground biomass, as well as lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Plant matter is essential for the growth and development of plants themselves, as well as for animals that consume them or their byproducts. It plays a vital role in ecosystems, serving as food sources for herbivores, decomposers, and detritivores, while also contributing to soil fertility through decomposition and nutrient cycling.