THE PARTS OF A FLOWERING PLANT 



II 



back from the tip with innumerable fine hair-Hke out- 

 growths, root-hairs (Fig. 36). 



16. The Functions of Roots. — The functions of roots 

 all have to do with maintaining the life of the individual 

 plant to which they belong, either by holding the plant 



I'iG. 5. — Portion of root-system of a yellow birch {Betiila lutca), showing 

 roots serving to anchor the plant to the substratum. (Photo by Elsie M 

 Kittredge.) 



firmly fixed in the ground (anchorage) (Figs. 4 and 5), 

 where food elements are abundant, by taking in these food 

 elements from the substratum (absorption), or by storing 

 up, for future use, food that has been made by the plant. 



