Question

Write a short note on rhizome.

Answer 1

1. Rhizome is a modification of underground stem for storage of food.
2. It is prostrate, dorsiventrally thickened and brownish in colour.
3. It grows either horizontally or obliquely beneath the soil.
4. Rhizome shows nodes and internodes. It bears terminal and axillary buds at nodes.
5. Terminal bud under favourable conditions produces aerial shoot which degenerates at the end of favourable condition.
6. Growth of rhizome takes place with lateral buds, such growth is known as sympodial growth. e.g. Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Turmeric (Curcuma domestica), Canna etc.
7. In plants where rhizomes grow obliquely, terminal bud brings about growth of rhizomes. This is known as monopodial growth. e.g. Nymphea, Nelumbo (Lotus), Pteris (Fern) etc.
8. Rhizomes perform functions like storage of food, vegetative propagation and perennation.