Metamorphosis of plants

1084. All plants are alike subject to metamorphosis. The extent of the changes which they are capable of undergoing may depend on their constitutional peculiarities, and also on their situation with respect to soil and climate. The developement of a plant in its native habitation will, in general, remain unchanged; but the same plant, in a state of culture, may undergo a considerable alteration in its external characters. This is the cause of the numerous varieties into which most garden plants are continually sporting, and is called, by botanists, irregular metamorphosis.