56 



Elementary Botany 



they had been. These, together with other subterranean stems, 

 are popularly termed roots, but are distinguished from true 

 roots in the manner already indicated. Examples are to be 

 found in the Iris, Sweet Flag, Ginger, Solomon's Seal, etc. 



Fig. 8i.— Sucker. 



Fig. 82. — Rhizome of Solomon's Seal 

 {(^otvuallaria, Potyffonatjt?n) : a, ter- 

 minal bud from which is developed 

 the next year's stem ; b, this year's 

 stem ; c, d, scars of the stems of pre- 

 vious years. 



Fig. 83. — Creeping rhizome of Carex. 



f. The soboles or creeping stem is thinner than the rhizome, 

 but otherwise resembles it. It is met with in the Sand Sedge 

 (Fig. 83) and Couch Grass. In the former plant it is often of 

 great use in binding together the loose sands of the sea shore, 

 whilst in the latter it is a pest to the farmer. 



