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Dictionaryrhizomeunderground stem
noun

rhizome

RYE-zohm/ˈraɪzəʊm/

A horizontally spreading underground stem producing shoots and roots.

The ginger rhizome grows horizontally underground, sending roots downward and shoots upward.

A simple cutaway of a living ginger plant reveals a thick horizontal underground rhizome, with slender roots growing downward and green shoots growing upward from its visible nodes.
Etymology
rhizomeGreekmass of tree roots

Greek rhizōma meant a mass of tree roots. The botanical term applies that root image to a root-like underground stem, which produces roots and shoots.

In context

Nature at Your Door Frank Taylor4:43
to have a very large root or rhizome these large roots and rhizomes can store carbohydrates underground
Fascinating adaptaptions of alpine wildflowers combating harsh mountain environmental extremes!

More examples

  • The ginger we use in cooking is a rhizome.
  • She divides the rhizomes to grow more iris plants.
  • New bamboo shoots emerge from underground rhizomes.

Forms

rhizome · rhizomes

rhizomatous adjective — Having or spreading by underground stems.

Similar words

rootstock
Can mean a rhizome or the rooted base for grafting.