Difference Between Rhizome and Tuber
The major difference between rhizome and tuber are given below:
Features |
Rhizome |
Tuber |
Shape |
Pear-shaped |
Rounded |
Size |
Smaller |
Larger |
Function |
Vegetative propagation |
Nutrient storage |
Growth Pattern |
Horizontally spreading underground stems |
Enlarged sections or outgrowths from stems or roots |
Shoot |
Adventitious roots and shoots emerge from nodes |
“Eyes” or bud structures from which new shoots can emerge |
Root | Root grows horizontally inside the soil | Fleshy roots |
Nodes | Present | Absent |
Starch content | Low | High |
Types | No classification | There are two types of tubers, namely, stem and root tubers. |
Offspring | They produce offspring | They do not produce offspring but grow in size every year |
Examples |
Ginger, bamboo, asparagus, lotus, venus flytrap, turmeric |
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, begonia, cassava, dahlia, oxalis |
Difference Between Rhizome and Tuber
The difference between rhizome and tuber lies in their respective structures and functions within plants. Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally and serve as storage organs whereas tubers are swollen underground storage organs storing nutrients and energy.
In this article, we will cover the difference between rhizome and tuber in tabular form.
Table of Content
- What are Rhizomes?
- Rhizomes Examples
- Types of Rhizomes
- What are Tubers?
- Tubers Examples
- Difference Between Rhizome and Tuber
- Similarities Between Rhizome and Tuber
- Conclusion – Difference Between Rhizome and Tuber
- Other Related Articles on Differences
- FAQs on Difference Between Rhizome and Tuber