10 
INTRODUCTION 
15. The Root. When a plant has more than one root, 
there may be a main or tap-root with branches (Fig. 2), 
or there may be no clearly recognized main root, but 
numerous roots of equal value, each attached directly to 
the stem (Fig. 3). The root-system frequently subdi- 
FIG. 4. Aerial fibrous roots of the royal palm. 
vides into smaller and smaller branches or rootlets, and 
these may ramify (branch and spread) extensively in all 
directions. Roots never bear leaves, but the surface of 
the finer, active roots is covered, for a short distance 
