THE PLANT AS A PARENT 55 



opposite direction. As to the underlying causes 

 of the happenings we are in complete ignorance. 



Whilst the radicle of the seedling must always 

 grow downwards, such is not the case with the 

 secondary roots. These spread out laterally, and, 

 indeed, can be induced to develop in an entirely 

 opposite direction to that taken by the initial 

 root. Thus, even if the radicle of the plant is 

 injured in such a way that it cannot develop, 

 the branch roots speedily come to the rescue. The 

 seedling has indeed been endowed by Nature with 

 extraordinary energy, and frail a thing as the 

 little plant appears to be, it is not easily killed. 

 Even if the plumule happens to be broken off 

 altogether, this is speedily replaced by a fresh 

 shoot, and the plant emerges on the scene but 

 little the worse for the accident. 



Throughout its life history the average plant 

 is chained to one spot. It flowers, perhaps pro- 

 duces its seeds, without difficulty, and yet there 

 still remains a problem which is by no means 

 easy of solution. In certain circumstances the 

 parent plant may be the greatest enemy of its 

 own kind. The very fact of its continued exist- 

 ence after fruiting may form a serious menace to 

 the well-being of its offspring. The seeds which 

 fall on to the ground surrounding a perennial come 



