

14 A CHAPTER TOrysTeUPy: 
commodate themselves to the necessities of the plant. We find 
some stems growing entirely underground and storing up nour- 
ishment for the plant’s growth during the next season. These 
stems are called the Rootstock and are distinguishable from 
the root by bearing scales, which are not found on roots proper. 
(Fic. 51.) 
The Tuber is the end of a rootstock that is thickened or 
enlarged. The enlarged part is possessed of eyes (buds). The 
common potato is a familiar illustration of tubers. (FIG. 52.) 
The Corm is a rounded, compact rootstock. (FIG. 53.) 
The Bulb is a corm mostly made up of fleshy scales. (Fic. 
54-) 
} 
| 
RR Sa Cerne 
“TMA 
FIG. 51. 


FIG. 53. FIG. 54. 
The Scape isa leafless peduncle, or the flower-stalk of a 
plant that has no stem. 3 
The Root proper grows downward in the ground and bears 
nothing but rootlets and root-branches. Its principal function 
in life is to absorb the nourishment from the soil. 
Aerial Roots are produced in the open air and serve the 
plant by acting as holdfasts, or helping it to climb. 
Parasites intermingle their roots with the roots or stems of 
other plants and drain from them their sustenance. 
Thorns are modified branches. Their purpose is to guard 
the plant from animals that would strip it of its stem and 
bark. 
