DICOTYLEDONS 



surface of the water like floating shields, and the lovely flowers, 

 like large white floating lilies, increase the mysterious charm 

 that all still waters possess in the sunshine. No wonder that 

 many myths have arisen about this plant, and that it is almost 

 worshipped by many nations! 



Most plants soon die, if their roots and stems are kept under 

 water. Not so the Lotus; for it lives there, and its structure is 

 wonderfully adapted to a life in such surroundings. 



1. The Stem is thick and tuber-like, with many scars which 

 show where the leaves formerly grew. It creeps along the ground 

 sending forth shoots at its upper end and decaying at the other. 

 Such a stem is called a root-stock or rhizome. It sends down 

 stout, long roots into the soft mud so that it may not be carried 

 away by any mr - nts of the w^ater in which it grows. 



2. From tl j ..em rise the long stalked Leaves, which so 

 long as they are below the surface are rolled up w^ith their edges 

 inward. As soon as the leaves reach the surface, the stalk ceases 

 to grow, and the leaves unroll their broad blades for the sun 

 and air to plaj on. To these, like all other green plants, the 

 Lotus must have access in order to feed and breathe. When the 



water rises to a higher level, the stalks 

 stand vertically; when the level sinks 

 lower, they move more and more side- 

 ways, like the ribs of an umbrella which 

 is being opened. 



If one of the leaves is torn off the 

 stem, it will float. Tliis is due to air- 

 chambers in the stalk, which can be 

 easily seen if the long stalk is cut across 

 (flg. 1). The chambers contain bristles 

 which serve as a means of protection 

 against the voracious water-snails, which 

 would otherwise feed on the leaf-stalk 

 and so destroy the leaves. 



The upper side of the leaves is 

 covered with a wax-like substance, so that any water which may 

 fall on them runs ofl", as it would from a duck's back. We may 



Fig'. 1. — Transverse section 

 of the leaf-stalk of the Water 

 lily with large air-chambers 

 and bristles within. 



