lO 



INTRODUCTION 



16. The Root. — When a plant has more than one root, 

 there may be a main or tap-root with branches (Fig. 2), 

 or there may be no clearly recognized main root, but 

 numerous roots of equal value, each attached directly to 

 the stem (Fig. 3). The root-system frequently subdi- 





Fig. 4. — Aerial fibrous roots of the royal palm. 



vides into smaller and smaller branches or rootlets, and 

 these may ramify (branch and spread) extensively in all 

 directions. Roots never bear leaves, but the surface of 

 the finer, active roots is covered, for a short distance 



