156 WILD FLOWER PRESERVATION 



STEMS. 



The stem is the ascending axis of a plant, 

 bearing the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruit. 

 It is through the stem that the nourishment 

 taken up by the root is distributed as sap, first 

 to the leaves, and afterwards to the various 

 other growing organs of the plant. 



Nodes are the points on stems at which leaves 

 or branches are given off. 



Internodes are the spaces between the nodes. 

 (4) 



Stems are said to be 



Erect, when they grow in an upright posi- 

 tion. (5) 



Decumbent, when the lower portion trails on 

 the ground, and the upper curves to an erect 

 position. (6) 



(Procumbent, when the greater part trails 

 on the ground.) 



Creeping, when they trail on the ground and 

 give off roots at the nodes. (7) 



Climbing, when they support their increas- 

 ing length by catching on to other objects by 

 means of hooks or prickles, (A) ; by tendrils 



