PROPAGATION OF WILD-DUCK FOODS. 



29 



from 1 to 3 feet high. Several flower clusters on peduncles of 

 varying length rise from the top of the stalk. From the same point 

 three rather long, grasslike leaves project below the fruiting clusters. 

 Many members of the genus have a very similar appearance, and 

 it is not likely that nonbotanical observers will distinguish them. 



Fig. 27 — Seed-bearing and immature plants of chufa. (Much reduced.) 



This is unnecessary, however, as tubers of the chufa may be ob- 

 tained for propagation from most seedsmen. The tubers are 

 formed at the ends of scale-covered rootstocks. The plant is ex- 

 tremely prolific, cultivated forms usually producing 100 tubers to 

 the plant, and instances are known in which more than 600 tubers 

 were produced in one season from one tuber planted in spring. 



