OF THE ROOT. 51 



Of the Root. 



The root (radix) is that part of the vegetable which enters 

 the earth, and extends in a direction contrary to the growth 

 of the stem ; it supports the plant in an upright position, and at 

 the same time gives nourishment to every part of it. There 

 are exceptions to the general fact, of a root being fixed in the 

 ground ; some plants, as the pond-lily, grow in water, and are 

 called aquatic, (from aqua, water,) some, like the misletoe, have 

 no root, but fix themselves upon other plants, and derive suste- 

 nance from them ; such are called parasites.* 



The Root consists of two parts, the Caudex, or main body of 

 the root, and the Radicle, or fibres; these are a kind of capilla- 

 ry or hair-like tubes, which absorb the nourishment that is con- 

 veyed to other parts of the plant. This nourishment ascend- 

 ing by the action of the air, experiences in the leaves and green 

 parts of the plant, an important change ; and a part of it, 

 through a different set of vessels, flows back, in what is called 

 the returning sap or cambium. 



Between the Caudex and stem is a point, sometimes called the 

 rootstock which is considered as of peculiar importance; any in- 

 jury to this part being followed by the death of the plant. 

 Duration of Roots. 



Roots with respect to duration are, annual, biennial or peren- 

 nial. 



Annual roots are such as live but one year. They come 

 from the seed in the spring, and die in autumn, including such 

 as are raised from the seed every year : as peas, beans, cucum- 

 bers, &c. 



Biennial roots are such as live two years. They do not 

 produce any flowers the first season, the next summer they blos- 

 som, the seeds mature, and the roots die. The roots of cabbages 

 are often, after the first season, preserved in cellars during the 

 winter. In the spring they are set out in gardens, and produce 

 flowers ; the petals of which, in time, fall off, and the germ 

 grows into a pod or silique, which contains the seed. The root 

 having performed this office, then dies, and no process can re- 

 store it to life ; the flowering is thought to exhaust the vital en- 

 ergy or living principle. The onion, beet and carrot are bien- 

 nial plants. 



* The \vordparasite, from the Greek para, with, and sitos, com, was first ap- 

 plied to those who had the care of the corn used in religious ceremonies, and 

 were allowed a share of the sacrifice ; afterwards it was applied to those who 

 depended on the great, and earned their welcome by flattery ; by analogy, the 

 term is now applied to plants which live upon others. 



Definition of the root Aquatic roots Parasites Division of the root An- 

 nual roots Biennial. 



