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Characteristics
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Rhizomes
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Tuber
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Roots
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Horizontal growth within the soil
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Its roots are fleshy
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Stem
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The underground stems of rhizomes are thicker.
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Modified stems with starchy interiors are called tubers.
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Offspring
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Rhizomes have offspring.
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Each year, tubers expand in size.
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Starch Composition
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Starch content in rhizomes is low.
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Starch content in tubers is high.
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Size
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Smaller compared to tubers in size
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Larger than rhizomes in size.
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Representative Plant Part
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It is the underground stem.
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It is the underground modification of the stem.
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Nodes and Internodes
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Have adventitious roots.
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There are no roots in the nodes.
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Growth Habit
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Rhizomes expand laterally.
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Tubers don't have a structured way of growing.
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Shape and structure
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Rhizomes have an oblong shape.
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There is no typical shape for tubers.
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Types
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In rhizomes, dominant classification is not present.
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Tubers have two types: stem tubers and root tubers.
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Shape
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Rhizomes are elongated, cylindrical, flattened, typically long and slender.
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Tubers are generally round or oblong, with a bulbous or irregular shape.
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Scales or Sheaths
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Rhizomes are typically covered by scales or sheaths, which protect the stem and help it to retain moisture. The scales can be quite small, as in the case of ginger or turmeric, or quite large, as in the case of bamboo.
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Tubers have no scales or sheaths.
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Growth Pattern
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Rhizomes grow horizontally just below the soil's surface. They can extend outward from the parent plant and give rise to new plants.
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Tubers, on the other hand, can grow at any angle, including vertically. This allows them to access deeper soil layers for nutrients and moisture.
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Adaptation
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Rhizomes are adapted for plants' need to spread quickly and colonise large areas. They are also useful for plants that grow in areas prone to wildfires, as they allow the plant to regenerate rapidly after the fire has passed.
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Tubers are adapted for plants that need to store large amounts of energy for survival during drought or other adverse conditions.
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Reproduction
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Rhizomes can reproduce by producing new shoots or buds along their length. This allows the plant to spread and colonise new areas.
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Tubers, however, are not typically involved in reproduction.
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Function
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Rhizomes often transport water and nutrients between different plant parts. They can also serve as a food source for animals such as rodents, which eat the stored energy in the rhizomes.
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Tubers, on the other hand, are primarily used for storage and survival.
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Surface Features
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Rhizomes often have surface features such as ridges, furrows, or hairs, which help to anchor the plant in the soil and absorb water and nutrients.
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Tubers, on the other hand, typically have a smooth surface.
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Vegetative Propagation,
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Rhizomes are commonly used for vegetative propagation, as they can produce new shoots and plants at nodes along their length. This allows gardeners and farmers to propagate plants quickly and easily.
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Conversely, Tubers are less commonly used for propagation, as they do not produce new plants directly.
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Nutrient Content
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Rhizomes, on the other hand, are typically lower in nutrients and are used primarily for vegetative growth.
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Tubers are typically higher in nutrients than rhizomes, as they are used for storage and survival during times of stress. For example, potatoes are high in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, while yams are high in fibre, vitamin C, and potassium.
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Growth Rate
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Rhizomes typically grow faster than tubers. This is because rhizomes are involved in the vegetative growth of the plant. As a result, rhizomes can quickly spread and colonise new areas.
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Tubers are involved in storage and survival and remain dormant until conditions are favourable for growth.
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Uses
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Rhizomes are used in various ways, including food, medicine, and ornamental plants. For example, ginger is used as a spice and in traditional medicine. At the same time, bamboo is used for construction and furniture making.
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Tubers are primarily used as food but also in some industrial processes, such as starch and ethanol production.
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Examples
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Include Bamboo, turmeric, ginger, lotus, asparagus, the Venus flytrap, etc.
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Cassava, sweet potatoes, dahlias, oxalis, and begonias.
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