Sap ata see aan -
ee ee A EOP AS ROAR MDRAILEK
a me)

SOV nA
> * ' e i

 

 

 

pote OS te Se tees s oe ts ee ee at

STALTIUAMION

MART Ret? ras

 
{

 
THESIS.
ON
A COMPARISON OF THE SCALES AND ROOTSTOCKS
OF

SOME OF THE MINTS.

Marie Belliss.

Africultural College, 1898.

 

 
THESIS.
ON
A COMPARISON OF THE SCALES AND ROOTSTOCKS
OF

SOME OF THE MINTS.

Marie Belliss.

Agricultural College, 1898.

 

 

 

 
 

THESIS
A Comparison of the Scahes and Rootstocks

of Some of the Mints.

The purpose of this thesis is to compare the rootstocks and
scales found upon them, and the roots of a mumber of species of
mints found growing in the botanic garden, with a bricf study of
some of the tissues as seen with a compound microscope.

In plate I figures A and B,are shown specimens representing
Mentha piperita (A) and Mentha Viridis (B). Upon examining them
we find they are much alike. The nodes are about equally distant
in each, however in the lower drawing of Mentha piperita, shorter
nodes are present. The roots and rootlets are quite numerous and
vary considerably in length. These rootstocks branch at the joints.
Upon these branches bracts appear, ranging in size from quite small
to well developed leaves as shown in (A). In (b) and (oc) cross
sections of the stem are shown giving a somewhat angular appearance.
We should also add that the stem in Mentha Viridis is the larger
of the two.

In fig. ¢. is found Lycopus Virginicus, the rootstock of whioh
is quite fleshy and solid, creamy white and brittle. The drawing
shows an average size rootstook with numerous roots coming from
each node. These roots vary in length but are nearly uniform in
size and are of a dark brown color. Some of the scars are light
while others are brown and dead. The long, brown stem attached is
the part of the rootstock which sprang from the original plant one
year ago. At intervals of four or five inches rudimentary leaves

are present.

93896

 

 

 

 

 

 
In (dad) several cells are given showing the contents of the same.
No starch is found, yet this must contain considerable nourishment
for the growth of a new plant.

Plate II. fig. A. represents Nepeta Glechoma. This has a long
jointed stem above ground. At each joint leaves spring out and
new branches start. At this node numerous roots start out and the
plant acts much the same as strawberry runners, taking root wherever
they touch the soil.

In B a much different rootstock may be seen. This is a sort of
tuber mich like a compound corm. It is commonly called stoneroot
owing to the intense hardness of these tubers. The lower right
hand corner of the drawing shows last year's growth as a dry,
spongy, hard mass with soarcely any nourishment remaining. Near by
is this year's growth. a little larger than natural size. (a) ‘and
(b) show cells taken from this rootstock. They contain very pecul-
iar shaped grains of starch.

Plate III shows Phlomis tuberosa with large roots extending
out to considerable length. At various distances these roots enlarge
and form nearly triangular growths, which one would naturally
expect to contain starch. None however, was found.

Plate IV, fig A, Stachys palustris is shown, having many
joints with numerous roots and bracts of all gradations. (a) shows
several cells with the protoplasmic matter contained therein. In
some it appears to be collected in groups. Stachys Betonica as
seen in (B) is very similiar to Stachys palustris. No starch was
found in either.

Fig. C. shows Teucrium. This is a plant of very similiar
growth, only having shorter joints. The cells and protoplasm are
shown in (b). The dark spots represent some cell-contents which as

yet, are unknown.

 
Fig. D. shows Monardia didyma. This plant spread® very rapidly
owing to the fact that, each node, youns growths spring forth. No
starch is present.

Plate V, fig. A. represents Osinum basilicum, a rather coarse
growing plant with large, square stems. This too, spreads rapidly
by means of branching stems. At the extreme right, numerous nemat-
odes are found on the roots.

Fig. B. is another Monardia called M. fistulosa. This is quite
Similiar to the one already described. The stem may be a trifle .
smaller, but its general behavior resembles M. didyma.

Plate VI, fig. A, shows another Lycopus called L. sinuatis.

its general behavior is quite different from Lycopus Virginicus
(a) shows the point of attachment to the old plant; at each node
a pract appears and these vary in size as shown in (b).

Fig. B. shows ajuga reptans. This plant forms a complete mat
on the ground if allowed to grow undisturbed. This. too, resembles
the strawberry plant in that it sends out numerous runners which
take root at the nodes very easily. (c) shows the cells which
contain a considerable amount of protoplasm. There was no starcn
present.

Plate VII, fig. A. shows Origenum vulgare. This rootstock is
rather smaller than most of the mints. otherwise it is very
similiar. It might be mentioned however, that there is a little
starch in the leyer of wood.

Fig. B. shows Physostegia Virginiana. This has a strong,
upright rootstock. having very short internodes. It is quite angu-

lar, and many roots spring from these ridges.

 

 
 

 
In (a) cells showing protoplasm are represented.

Fig. C. illustrates another peculiar plant called Ballota
Italica. It should be noted how strangely the new growth has
attached itsolf to the old.

In Plate VIII. fig. A. a micn more singular plant is shown.
The new branches shoot out and curve up from the main branch as
shown. The scales or brects are very numerous and arranged closely
on the stem. No starch was found.

Fig. B. shows Pycnanthemum linifolium, another srecies having
a slender stem and numerous branches with several roots at each

node. No starch was found in this specimen.
 

 
 

aN

a
= [=~

—~—-~+--

 

 

y
\ ‘

\

\\\

wis
,

Sidi
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

v2 7eV
 

 

 

 

 

 
 

be pe lil
 
  

| | <= bond :
mi
i
Ni

HN

 
 
 
 

see =
i eT eee a
 

i