486 



SOUTHERN FIELD CROPS 



to spring up in a cluster or stool as the result of the growth 

 of these underground buds into suckers, or young canes. 

 In a band around the stalk at each node are a number of 

 nearly transparent dots. From these dots spring true 

 roots when this joint is kept moist by 

 contact with the soil. The roots are 

 fibrous and usually they do not pene- 

 trate to great depth. 



466. The stem. — The part most 

 valued is the stem, from which sugar 

 and sirup are manufactured. The 

 stem is large and cyUndrical, and con- 

 sists of a series of internodes of vari- 

 able length, separated by joints, or 

 nodes (Fig. 207). The internodes 

 (often popularly called " joints ") are 

 short at the base and longer toward 

 the middle or upper part of the stalk. 

 The length of internodes varies greatly 

 with different varieties and is de- 

 creased by drought, or by other con- 

 dition unfavorable to growth. The 

 rind tir outer portion of the stalk con- 

 sists chiefly of strong fibrous tissue, 

 giving strength and hardness to the 

 stem. The rind, and hence the stalk, 

 is of various colors, depending on the 

 variety. Among the most common colors are purple 

 (or reddish), striped purple and white, and green. Yellow, 

 white,, brown, and other colors also occur, especially in 

 varieties grown in tropical countries. 



Fig. 207. — Part op a 

 Stem of Sdqak-cane. 



A, buds or eyes ; B, 

 joints ; C, nodes ; D, in- 

 ternodes ; X, dots where 

 roots may originate. 



