Bulbs, corms, and tubers are all parts of a plant that grow underground. They are each a storage unit for food that gives the plant the energy it needs to grow, bloom, and complete its life cycle each year. A bulb is an underground stem and leaf. It grows in protective layers, much like an onion. At the very center of the bulb is a small version of the flower itself. The bulb’s basil plate a round and flat hairy mass (the beginnings of roots) on the bottom of the bulb helps the bulb stay together. Examples of bulbs include tulips, daffodils, lilies, narcissus, and amaryllis. A corm is an underground stem. It has the same type of protective covering and basal plate as the bulb, but it does not grow in layers. Instead, the corm is the base for the flower stem and has a solid texture. Crocuses and gladiolus are both corms. The tuber is an underground stem or root. Just like a potato, it has leathery skin, lots of “eyes,” and no basal plate. The eyes are the growing points where the plants eventually emerge. Dahlias, begonias, and anemones are all tubers.
- Are there plants that do not grow from seeds?
- What is the difference between self pollination and cross pollination?
- Does the expression “Open sesame!” have anything to do with sesame seeds?
- How do flowering plants make their seeds?
- Which plant spreads its seeds with the help of children at play?
- Do animals ever carry seeds?
- How do seeds become plants?
- What is a seed?
- Do all plants have flowers?
- What are the patterns of stars called?
- How are a water lily’s leaves different?
- Do all plants have leaves?
- Who is called the “father of botany”?
- How many different types of plants are there?
- How do plants grow?
- How do plants get their nutrients?
- What is plant food from the nursery made of?
- How are plants and animals related?
- How are plants different from animals?
- How fast can a hummingbird fly?
