Rhizome - a modification of the shoot, located under the ground

How to distinguish rhizome from the root? Sure, if you ask such a question, many will be surprised, because they think that this is the same thing. But the root and rhizome are absolutely different concepts. Why? Let's figure it out together.

Modifications of escape

The aerial part of the plant is called escape. It consists of two parts: a stem and leaves. These plant organs serve for air nutrition, gas exchange and vegetative reproduction. But under certain conditions this is not enough. Therefore, there are modifications of various plant organs, including shoots. Rhizomes are one of them. To the modifications of the aboveground part of the plant also include tuber of potato and Jerusalem artichoke, bulbs of tulip and garlic, mustaches of strawberries and antennae of grapes. All of them perform additional functions. For example, with the antennae the grapes are attached to the support, which allows it to occupy the most favorable location for the process of photosynthesis. But in the bulb and under the ground water with nutrients is preserved, which allows the plant to easily survive the unfavorable period. With the help of a mustache, the strawberry grows vegetatively, like potatoes, with its subterranean modifications - tubers.

Structure of the rhizome

The rhizome, being an underground modification of the shoot, has all the features of its structure. But they are somewhat modified. Rhizomes - a creeping stalk with elongated interstices, in which all the necessary substances for plants are stored. Bundles of subordinate roots leave it. And on the surface of the earth are visible leaves that grow from the nodes of an elongated shoot. They are simple. Their leaf blades are narrow, usually with parallel venation.

How to distinguish a rhizome from a root

As you can see, in the structure of the rhizome, you can see all the elements of the shoot: an elongated stem, from which roots, knots, buds and leaves leave. Only it is under the ground. Root and rhizome are often confused. But their similarity is only in the name. After all, the root is an underground organ of the plant. He grows up to escape. On it you will not find either kidneys or leaves. Therefore, naturally, it does not contain chloroplasts and is not capable of photosynthesis. This organ secures the plant in the soil and provides mineral nutrition. A rhizome - and there is an escape. Only outwardly, it is changed beyond recognition and is located underground. The roots that are on it are always subordinate. They grow in a bundle. Their aggregate forms a friable root system.

Which plants have rhizomes

Rhizomes are modifications that are characteristic of many plants. Most of them are representatives of the Monocotyledon class. Probably many truck farmers tried to get rid of the malignant weed, which is called wheat grass. It is not easy to do this because of the presence of rhizome in this plant. Tearing off leaves and part of the underground shoot, a person does not realize that most of it remains underground. From the kidneys of the preserved part of the shoot, new leaves again grow. As a result, the weed grows again. Rhizome have lily of the valley, mint, asparagus, peonies, irises, phlox, gravel, blueberry. What are the advantages of plants that have modified data?

Rhizome functions

First of all, rhizomes provide vegetative reproduction of plants, making it more efficient. For example, to plant irises, it is not necessary to take their large part of the shoot with leaves and flowers. It is sufficient to use a small element of the rhizome with the kidneys and subordinate roots. Since this modification of the shoot is located underground, it has a reliable shelter from all unfavorable environmental conditions. He is not afraid of drought. In conditions of intense heat, only leaves will die. But the underground part, which is directly a plant shoot, will remain viable. When good conditions come, kidneys will again grow green leaves. Rhizomes are a valuable underground reserve of water, mineral and organic substances that plants formed during a period of sufficient moisture and photosynthesis. Due to this important feature, all plants that have this modification are perennial. Their underground part remains viable from the beginning of autumn to spring precisely due to the stock of all the substances necessary for this, which are in this modification.

So, the rhizome is an underground modified creeping shoot. Its main parts are elongated interstices, kidneys, simple leaves and accessory roots. Rhizome performs important functions, thanks to which the plant can easily transfer under the ground any unfavorable periods and quickly spreads. This is the storage of water with nutrients and the exercise of vegetative reproduction.