CLIMBING STEMS 



175 



stems grow over the ground, the nodes may produce roots from 

 their lower and stems from their upper surface, and thus new 

 plants are started which become independent by the death of 

 the parent stem. This method of propagation is common in the 

 Strawberry where the prostrate stems, known as runners, pro- 

 duce roots at their tips and start new plants which soon become 

 independent by the death of the runner. (Fig. 150.) Some of 

 the Grasses and weeds are able to spread very rapidly by this 

 method of propagation. 



This disposition of nodes to grow roots and start new plants is 

 an important feature in the propagation of plants. Not only the 



Fig. 150. — Prostrate stem (runner) of the Strawberry producing 

 new plants at the nodes. 



nodes of prostrate stems will do this, but the nodes of m'ost stems 

 are able to produce roots as well as branches and leaves, if placed 

 in proper conditions. Much use is made of this feature in prop- 

 agating many of our useful plants as we shall see later. 



Climbing Stems. — Some familiar examples of climbing stems 

 are those of the Pea, Grape, Hop, Woodbine, Poison Ivy, and 

 Morning Glory. Climbing stems, like prostrate stems, grow long 

 and slender, and are not strong enough to support themselves in 

 an erect position. They raise themselves into the hght by climb- 

 ing a support, such as a fence, wall, or some erect plant. Some 

 kinds of Beans having climbing stems are often planted with the 

 Corn, so that they may have the Corn stems for support, or when 

 planted alone, each plant is provided with a stake for a support. 

 Sweet Peas, Hops, and most Grapes are other familiar plants re- 

 quiring supports. The Woodbine and some wild Grapes are 

 qmte notable climbers, often chmbing to the tops of tall trees. 



