Differences Between Rhizome and Tuber - Testbook

Last Updated on Jul 31, 2023
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An Introduction

In the plant world, rhizomes and tubers are modified stems that serve as storage units for food.

What exactly is a rhizome?

Rhizomes are horizontally growing underground stems. They are brownish, non-green, and fleshy with distinct nodes and internodes. They have both auxiliary and apical buds. Their growth pattern is parallel to the ground.

Popular examples of rhizomes include Canna indica, turmeric, and water lilies.

Often referred to as root stalks, rhizomes grow in the opposite direction of gravity, meaning they grow horizontally. However, the rootstock of a rhizome grows vertically.

Also Read: Root Modifications

So, what is a tuber?

A tuber is a chunky part of the plant that stores food. The potato is a common example of a tuber. The lower part of the potato, covered by earth, sprouts adventitious branches. Tubers have several depressions, known as “eyes”, each representing a node.

Also Read: Stem Modifications

Now let's delve deeper into the differences between rhizomes and tubers.

Comparing Rhizomes and Tubers

Rhizome
Tuber
Roots
Grows horizontally beneath the soil Possesses fleshy roots
Stem
Rhizomes are thickened underground stems. Tubers are altered stems with starchy interiors.
Nodes
Nodes give rise to adventitious roots Nodes do not sprout roots
Growth Pattern
Rhizomes grow horizontally. Tubers lack a well-defined growth pattern.
Shape and Structure
Rhizomes are pear-shaped. Tubers do not have a uniform shape.
Size
Smaller compared to tubers Larger than rhizomes
Plant Part Representation
Represents the underground stem Represents the underground modification of the stem
Starch Composition
Rhizomes have low starch content Tubers are rich in starch content
Types
No major classification in Rhizomes Two types of tubers exist - stem and root tubers
Offspring
Rhizomes produce offspring Tubers enlarge every year
Examples
Turmeric, water lilies, canna indica, etc. Yam, sweet potatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, etc.

Also Refer: Difference between Corm and Bulb

This wraps up the basic differences between rhizomes and tubers. Stay tuned for more topics related to Biology.

More Articles for Biology

Frequently Asked Questions

Rhizomes are horizontal underground stems with non-green, fleshy, distinct nodes and internodes. These are brownish in colour and are auxiliary as well as apical buds. They contain terminal buds and run parallel to the ground.

The tuber is a fleshy part of the plant which stores food. The tuber is covered with a number of depressions called “eye” and each eye represents a node.

Asparagus, Bamboo, ginger, Lotus, the Venus Flytrap, and turmeric are examples of rhizomes.

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