8 ROOT 



Shapes of Boots. — The roots may be thin and fibrous, or 

 they may present various forms between this and a swollen or 

 tuberous condition. The main root of the Carrot and Turnip, 

 thickens and forms the swollen part which we eat. The 

 Dahlia-plant produces a number of adventitious tuberous 

 roots, which grow out from the base of the stem. As will be 

 shown later on, these thick fleshy roots serve as reservoirs in 

 which food is stored for future consumption by the plant. 



Aerial Boots. — Some plants, like the Ivy, climb by means 

 of adventitious roots which, in place of dipping down into the 

 soil, adhere to the surface of a tree, wall, or rock. Roots 

 above the surface of the soil are described as being aerial 

 roots. 



