THE PARTS OF A FLOWERING PLANT 
II 
back from the tip with innumerable fine hair-like out- 
growths, root-hairs (Fig. 36). 
16. The Functions of Roots. The functions of roots 
all have to do with maintaining the life of the individual 
plant to which they belong, either by holding the plant 
FIG. 5. Portion of root-system of a yellow birch (Betula lutea), showing 
roots serving to anchor the plant to the substratum. 
firmly fixed in the ground (anchorage) (Figs. 4 and 5), 
where food elements are abundant, by taking in these food 
elements from the substratum (absorption}, or by storing 
up, for future use, food that has been made by the plant. 
