2O The Dahlia 



year from roots left in the ground, but this can only 

 happen under special circumstances in some mild and 

 well -sheltered locality. Plants may succeed for a 

 year or two in growing from seed ; but, sooner or 

 later, the frost puts an end to their existence, so 

 that their growth in a semi- wild state cannot be 

 permanent. 



The root is tuberous and fasciculate that is, the 

 tubers all spring from the collum or neck at the base 

 of the stem. The tubers vary considerably in size 

 and shape in the different species and varieties. Ii 

 is said that the roots of the Dahlia are used by the 

 native Mexicans for food. Would it not be possible 

 to use the surplus roots in this country for a similar 

 purpose ? They must contain a large amount of 

 nourishing matter, which might thus be turned to a 

 most useful and profitable purpose. 



The stem is woody and branching, and has short, 

 slightly hispid, hairs. In growth it is inclined to be 

 somewhat decumbent, then ascending, which allows it 

 to send up a number of strong branches. The leaves 

 are opposite, as already indicated, and are without 

 stipules. The leaf-stalk or petiole is naked in some 

 species, but in others it is winged. The leaves in the 

 cultivated varieties are exceedingly variable, being 

 entire, lobed, or pinnate, with the leaflets often 

 pinnatifid. In some cases they are almost bipinnate. 

 The Cactus Dahlias have their leaves more broken up 

 than the "Show" and "Pompon" varieties. The 

 margins are serrate and the serrations finely spinulose, 

 more especially in the Cactus varieties. The under 

 surface of the leaves is also slightly roughish. 



The peduncles or flower-stalks spring from the axils 



