44 MONOCOTYLEDONS^. 



produce roots and branches, and those again other 

 roots and branches, for ever. 



The stem of this plant in its wild state rises from 

 two to three feet high or more, bearing the fruit on 

 the upper part of the stem, yielding both oviparous 

 and viviparous progeny, as well as suckers from the 

 lower joints while the fruit is ripening. Soon as this 

 is matured it falls to the ground, and at the same 

 time the stem that supported, and the system of 

 roots which perfected it, die also ; but the suckers 

 by this time being well rooted, progress, and produce 

 their fruit and successive progeny in all directions 

 around. This is the case with all plants of similar 

 conformation ; as the Agave Americana, some sorts 

 of Sempervivum, and many others. 



The following are sketches of the pine apple plant 

 in different stages of its growth. 



Fig. 13. Fig. 14. Fig. 15. 



A young pine Perfect form of the Manner of the last 



apple plant. pine apple plant. year's suckers fruit- 



ing, after the prin- 

 cipal is dead. 



