246 Plants and their Ways in South Africa 



millet. The sugar obtained from sugar-cane and the pasturage 

 afforded to stock are among the benefits conferred on mankind 

 by this order. 



Fig. 221. — Floral diagram of 

 meadow grass, Poa annua. 



Fig. 222. — Floral diagram showing two 

 flowers of Avena . 



These plants are of world-wide distribution, and are well 

 fitted for their battle in life. The bracing roots and hollow 

 stems help to support the weight of grain, which becomes 

 heavier by careful selection of seed in cultivation. When 

 beaten down by heavy rains, the lodged grain is brought up 



I. II. 



Fig. 223. — I. Fluted leaf of /.ca niay^ , 1-. 11. Stem, stiaightening up after a 

 storm, 



from the ground by means of an unequal growth of the stem 

 at the nodes. Just as the hollow stem gives strength, so the 

 hollow leaf-sheath is able to withstand great force brought to 

 bear upon the leaves by the wind. The split sheath and fluted 

 edges of the lower part of the blade allow the leaves to wave 



