We all know or have a notion of the basic parts that make up a plant: root, stem and leaves. However, surely when it comes to identifying the different types and structures that exist, we do not have such clear ideas. In fact, it is very common to visualize or imagine a stem, as that part of the plant that grows vertically and from which branches and new leaves emerge, but did you know that they can also grow horizontally?
In Green Ecologist we tell you everything about this type of stems, the rhizomes, their definition and examples of plants that have this type of stem and reproduce well, among other ways. Keep reading!
What is a rhizome: definition
It is called rhizome to the stem that grows below ground and horizontally, so that, it is considered a underground stem Like bulbs and tubers, being capable of storing nutrients, therefore, they function as reserve organs for the plant when it faces extreme conditions or a lack of nutrients. Furthermore, by growing horizontally it can also support the plant.
Plants that have this type of stem are usually perennial, so while they lose their leaves and surface parts during the colder months, they continue to preserve the rhizomes and store the nutrients that the plant needs to survive. This capacity makes rhizomes very interesting stems for human use and consumption, such as ginger, valued for its properties and used both for consumption and for the treatment of certain ailments.
The rhizomes: growth and reproduction
The rhizomes can grow and cover large areas of the ground, since its growth is indefinite. With the passage of time and the increase in the length of the rhizome, the oldest parts can die. In these cases, if the shoots of what, at first, was the same plant are separated by a dead zone and therefore, two different plants will be considered.
This means that reproduction of rhizomes is asexual. From a fragment (as long as it has a bud) the rhizome can arise shoots, roots and new plants. Therefore, in gardening, the transplant technique is applied to promote its reproduction and growth. Once the rhizome has been transplanted, it will use the stored nutrients for the development of the new individual. For this reason, its division and planting usually take place during the months that present more favorable conditions, such as the beginning of spring, summer and even during autumn.
Types of rhizomes
According to the type of branching and growing that present the rhizomes can be divided into two types different:
- Defined or sypoidal rhizomes: its growth is defined, which implies that the original plant can die when others appear too close to it. The symploidal rhizomes usually present short and thick nodes, being in turn, capable of storing a large amount of nutrients.
- Indefinite or monopodial rhizome: its growth is considered to be indefinite, since the original plant never dies, giving rise to a large number of new plants. It is characterized because its nodes are more elongated than those of the defined rhizomes and new nodes and rhizomes are continuously generated.
Plants with rhizomes: examples
As we have said before, plants that reproduce by rhizomes They are perennial, here are some examples:
- Ginger: It is one of the most popular plants with rhizomes, belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, due to its many uses and properties.
- Grama: or white grass. It has a thin and elongated rhizome.
- Indian cane: It is a plant of tropical origin and, despite having rhizomes, which favor its development and growth, it needs a lot of attention and care for its maintenance and conservation.
- The Mint: It is one of the plants that have rhizomes most valued, like ginger, for its properties, smell and peculiar flavor.
- Lily: It is one of the plants with rhizomes that have thick and leafy stems, which allows them to survive extreme temperatures and harsh winters.
- Seal of Solomon: it is characterized by the presence of tubular white flowers. For its growth and development it requires a large supply of nutrients, so the presence of rhizomes favors their absorption, storage and disposal.
- Bamboo: All bamboo species reproduce by rhizomes, having a great interest especially in gardening, in order to create barriers that provide us with separation, protection or greater privacy in our homes.
If you want to read more articles similar to Rhizomes: definition and examples of plants, we recommend that you enter our Biology category.
