80 



PLANT PROPAGATION 



the organs needed to make it self-supporting takes place. 

 Examples of propagation by parts detached are seen in all 

 cuttings, in budding and in grafting. 



Bulbs. Bulbs of all kinds are specialized buds. They are 

 composed of a short rudimentary axis closely encased in 

 thickened leaves or bulb scales. A bulb is also a more or 

 less permanent and a compact leaf bud, which is usually 

 found at the base of the stem. It is subterranean. Roots 



FIG. 25. Bulbs of the tulip, hyacinth and onion. 



are always sent out from its base. The thickened bulb 

 scales are stored with food, which is used during the sub- 

 sequent growth of the plant. Bulbs usually occur in plants 

 that are subject to a long period of inactivity and a short 

 period of growth. 



Bulbous plants are propagated most easily by means of 

 little bulbs, which are borne about the mother bulb. These 

 small bulbs are often called bulbels or offsets, and are usually 



