FORMS AND ARRANGEMENTS OF ROOT SYSTEMS 



21 



The roots of some plants are fibrous (Figs. 9, 10 and 13), 

 and in large plants very woody and hard, while the roots of 

 other plants are thick and fleshy. (Figs. 11 and 12.) The 

 fibrous roots branch irregularly and serve for anchorage and 

 also for the entrance of water and dissolved food materials. 



Fig. 9. — A grass plant showing the fibrous 

 root system. 



Fig. 10. — A bean seedling showing the bac- 

 terial nodules on the roots. 



The fleshy roots, in addition to this work, also serve as places 

 for storage of large quantities of foods. Man and animals take 

 advantage of these stored products and use the roots of many 

 plants for food. However, this food is stored in the roots for 

 the future use of the plants themselves and is usually an import- 

 ant factor in their production of flowers and seeds. (Page 52.) 

 Some plants use this stored food the same season that it is 

 accumulated, while others hold it in reserve for one or more 



