PROPAGATION 



63 



roots spring chieHy from below, but also on the sides and upper 

 portion ; buds also are scattered over the upper surface. Corms 

 multiply usually by means of offsets. Caladiums and most other 

 Aroids are propagated by planting either the whole corm, or only 

 the " eyes " (buds) which are developed on the upper side of the 

 latter. A tuber is a thickened rhizome or stem, bearing buds or 

 node-like scars, examples of which are Yams, Sweet-potato and 

 Artichoke. Propagation of these is effected simply by division. 



SHOWING AERIAL ROOTS OF FlCllS illtissilJlil BECOMING ROOTED IN THE 

 GROUND AND FORMING INDEPENDENT STEMS. 



The Heshy subterranean growths of the Dahlia are not true tubers, 

 but enlarged succulent roots, as they do not bear buds. 



Propagation by Runners and Rhizomes. This natural mode 

 of propagation is well seen in the strawberry plant and in some 

 "running" grasses. A slender branch is sent off from the base of 

 the stem ; it runs along the ground, and at its end produces a 

 new plant. The branch withers and dies as soon as the new plant 

 is rooted. Some plants also have creeping stems (rhizomes), which 

 root along their under surface, and develop new plants from buds 

 on the upper side. This is characteristic of the Ginger family and 

 most grasses. 



