GRASSES OF IOWA. 



15 



the visible portion above ground being unbranched. Some- 

 times the stems or branches stand vertically upright, when 

 they are termed erect; they may spread a little at first, and 

 then assume an erect position, the lowermost joints being bent 

 or kneed; such culms are said to be geniculate at the base. The 



Fig. 8. Mexican corn. Showing mettiod of growtli on grounds Iowa Agricultural 



college. 



basal branches may lie flat upon the ground and spread more 

 or less extensively, taking root at the usually numerous joints, 

 and at definite points sending up erect flowering- branches, 

 or branches bearing leaves only; such grasses are said to have 

 a creeping habit, or ara stoloniferous. Again one or more of 

 the lowermost branches may not come to the smfaca at all, or 



