MORPHOLOGY OF HIGHER PLANTS. 305 



FIG. 166. Tuberous root of Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) . The root on the left is a 

 fresh specimen and was grown in the United States. The one to the right was purchased at 

 a Chinese bazaar. It is translucent, of a yellowish-brown color, and has the characteristic 

 shape and markings considered desirable by the Chinese. The markings on the upper 

 segment of the specimen are stem scars which are usually found on old roots. The trans- 

 lucent appearance is no doubt due to the manner of treatment. While the method is not 

 generally known, similar specimens may be prepared by treating the recently gathered 

 roots with freshly slaked lime. 



the influence of gravity, the branches growing upward and the 

 roots downward. 



The root exerts a certain amount of upward pressure on the 

 liquids in the stem. This fact can be demonstrated by cutting off 



20 



