rhizomania (rizomania)

[NL., to many plants, as ivy, screw-pines, and figs, which send out roots from various parts, just as trees produce adventitious buds. In some plants rhizomania is an indication that there is some defect in the true root, in consequence of which it cannot supply sufficient nourishment to the plant. In such cases rhizomania is an effort of nature to supply the deficiency. This is the case in common laurel, in which plant rhizoma nia generally forebodes death. The phenomenon is also frequently seen in apple-trees, from the stems of which bundles of roots are sent out; these, absorbing moisture and finally decaying, are a cause of canker on the tree.