KINDS OF STEMS 



15 



are often said to be stemless, however, in order to dis- 

 tinguish them from plants which have long or conspicuous 

 stems. These so-called stemless plants die to (he ground 

 every year. 



38. Stems are erect when they grow straight up. Figs. 

 1, 2, 3. They are trailing or creeping when they run 

 along on the ground. Fig. 19. They are decumbent 

 when they lop over to the ground. They are ascending 

 when they lie mostly or in part on the ground but stand 

 more or less upright at their ends. They are climbing 

 when fchey cling to other objects for support. Figs. 12, 20. 

 3i). Trees in which the main trunk or the "leader" 

 continues to grow from its tip are said to be excurrent in 

 growth. Tin branches are borni along the sides of the 

 trunk, as in common pines (Fig. 21) and spruces. Excur- 

 rent means running out or running up. 



40. Trees in which the main trunk docs not continue 

 are said to be deliquescent. Thi branches arise from one 

 ^^gj^Q^ common point <>f from inch other. 



Tin- stem is lost in the branches. The 

 \*p^ apple tree (Fig. IS), maple, elm, oak, 

 are familial' examples. Deliquescent 

 means dissolving or melting away. 

 41. Each kind of plant has its 



own peculiar 

 habit or direc- 

 tion of growth. 

 Spruces always 

 grow to a single 

 stem or trunk, 

 pear I rees are 

 alwa\ s deliques- 

 cent, morning- glories are always climbing, Btrawberries 

 are always creeping. We do not know why each planl 



has its own habil : but the Imbit is in some way OS80- 



r:l 



trjttHZ*.'- 



19, \ trailing plant (Abronla) 



