Three examples of plants that reproduce through modified underground roots are tubers, bulbs, and rhizomes.
Underground Plant Reproduction
Plants can reproduce asexually using modified underground stems and roots. This allows them to spread and create new plants from their existing structures. Here are three examples:
1. Tubers
- Definition: Tubers are swollen, underground stems that store nutrients.
- Example: Potatoes are a classic example. The "eyes" on a potato are actually buds that can sprout and grow into new potato plants.
- Reproduction: New plants grow from the buds (eyes) on the tuber.
2. Bulbs
- Definition: Bulbs are underground storage structures consisting of a short stem surrounded by fleshy leaves.
- Examples: Onions, garlic, lilies, tulips, amaryllis, and irises.
- Reproduction: Bulbs produce offsets or smaller bulbs that can be separated and planted to grow into new plants.
3. Rhizomes
- Definition: Rhizomes are horizontal, underground stems that can send out roots and shoots from their nodes.
- Examples: Ginger, asparagus, and water lilies.
- Reproduction: New plants emerge from the nodes along the rhizome, allowing the plant to spread horizontally.
| Structure | Description | Examples | Reproduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tubers | Swollen underground stems storing nutrients | Potatoes | New plants grow from buds on the tuber |
| Bulbs | Underground storage with fleshy leaves around a stem | Onions, garlic, tulips, lilies | Offsets (smaller bulbs) grow into new plants |
| Rhizomes | Horizontal underground stems | Ginger, asparagus, water lilies | New plants emerge from nodes along the rhizome |
