Tuber

For fungal genus, see Tuber (fungus). For other uses, see Tuber (disambiguation).
Potatoes are sometimes called just "tubers".
Ulluku (Ullucus tuberosus) tubers

Tubers are a type of enlarged structure that plants use as storage organs for nutrients, derived from stems or roots. Tubers help plants perennate (survive winter or dry months), provide energy and nutrients, and are a means of asexual reproduction.[1]

Stem tubers manifest as thickened rhizomes (underground stems) or stolons (horizontal connections between organisms); examples include the potato and yam. The term root tuber describes modified lateral roots, as in sweet potatoes, cassava, and dahlias.

  1. ^ Rooting Cuttings of Tropical Trees, London: Commonwealth Science Council, 1994, p. 11, ISBN 978-0-85092-394-0