3 8 Plants and their Ways in South Africa 



quickly and leave their scar encircling the stem. Do any other 

 trees have similar scales ? What protects the bud in Erythrina 

 (Boer bean tree) ? 



A bud is a shortened stem covered by leaves. Bamboos 



Fi(i. 42. — Branch of an Oak. 



have very long buds covered by enormous scale leaves. A 

 cabbage is a large bud. 



The life of a terminal bud determines the shape and 

 character of a tree. In the blue gum and Norfolk pine the 

 terminal bud continues its growth throughout the life of the 

 tree. This gives to the tree a tall, erect habit. In Australia, 

 where the blue gums are not cut for firewood, they become 

 the tallest trees in the world. 



