In common milkweed, the development of subterranean root buds on excised root segments, following emergence from the parent root, is characterized by development of nodes and internodes followed by internode expansion. Transverse sections of root buds reveal that bicollateral vascular bundles as well as leaf traces and gaps are well developed in buds from 3-month-old plants. Strands of xylem and phloem connect the parent root and root bud in both inhibited and noninhibited root buds. Pitted primary tracheary elements, characteristic of developmentally advanced primary xylem, are present in these traces. The occurrence of a well-developed vascular system throughout the root bud and between the parent root and bud provides evidence that retardation of growth of inhibited root buds in common milkweed is not caused by anatomical constraints.
