FIELD AND WOODLAND PLANTS 



As regards surface, the stem may be smooth or hairy. In general 

 form, as seen in transverse section, it may be round, flattened, 

 triangular, square, or traversed longitudinally by ridges and furrows 

 more or less distinct. Flattened stems are sometimes more or less 

 winged with leaf-like extensions, as in the Everlasting Pea, in which 

 case the wings perform the functions of foliage leaves. It should 

 also be noted whether the stems are herbaceous, or woody, and whether 

 they are holloiv, or jointed. 



In some jalants the stem is so short that the leaves appear to 

 start direct from the root, as in the Dandelion and Primrose. Such 

 stems are said to be inconspicuous. 



The longer and conspicuous stems are either simple or branched, 



and they may be erect, 'prostrate, 

 trailing, climbing, or running. In 

 the case of cUmbing stems it 

 should be noted whether the 

 necessary support is obtained by 

 means of tendi-ils, rootlets, or 

 suckers, or by the twining of the 

 stem itself. 



Running stems are those which 

 run along the surface of the 

 ground by the continued growth 

 of a terminal bud, and produce 

 new plants at intervals, as in the 

 case of the Wild Strawberry. 

 Many stems, however, creep under the ground, and these should 

 always be distinguished from running roots, from which they may 

 be known by the production of buds that develop into new plants, 

 as in the Iris and Solomon's Seal. 



RUNNING UNDERGROUND STEM OF 

 SOLOMON'S SEAL 



Terminal bud from which the next 

 year's stem is developed ; b. Stem 

 of the present year ; c, and d, Scars 

 of the stems of previous years. 



The Leaf 



The arrangement of tlie leaves on the stem is a matter of great 

 importance for purposes of identification. Especially should it be 

 noted whether the leaves are opposite, alternate, whorled (arranged 

 in circles round the stem), or radical (apparently starting direct from 

 the root). 



Some leaves have smaller leaves or scales at their bases, that 

 is, at the points where they are attached to the stem of the plant. 

 Such leaves or scales are termed stipules. They are often so well 



