240 



STRUCTURE AND VITAL PROCESSES OF PLANTS 



coccinea); if it has a distinct Avoody trunk, scarcely brandling 

 from the base and of considerable size, we call it a tree (Mango). 

 The Palm type has an unbranched, cylindrical, woody stem with 

 a crown of large leaves. Lianas, again, are woody climbers 

 (Entada scandens). 



7. Modes of Branching. 



The axis of a plant terminates in a bud which elongates and 

 ^rows leaves on its sides. In tlie axil of each leaf an axillary 

 bud is developed, which may or may not grow into a branch. 

 This is the normal growth of a phanerogamous plant, and is called 

 monoj/odial. In some cryptogams (e. g., Selaginella) the growing 

 point is regularly forked after a short stretch. This mode of 

 branching is termed dichotomous. 



Fig. 217. — Tlie "Uinbrella tree'' Puinciana reyiu. 



A typical example of monopodial growth is the Tine tree of 

 •cooler climates or the beautiful tree Hopea i)arvitlora (Kan. JMio<;i, 

 Til. Bovu) of tlio West Coast of India. Tlic crown of these trees 



