STEMS 45 
rected at any angle, often horizontal, and sometimes even 
descending. 
(2) Prostrate stems.—In many plants the main stem or 
certain branches lie prostrate on the ground or nearly so, 
Fic. 44.—An elm in foliage. 
sometimes spreading in all directions and becoming inter- 
woven into a mat or carpet (Fig. 45). They are found 
