What Is A Rhizome

A rhizome is a specific type of root that often sends out roots and shoots from its nodes. Rhizomes always grow perpendicular to the force of gravity... sideways not up and down. A rhizome also has the ability to send up new new shoots to grow upwards.

If a rhizome can be broken into into pieces, with each piece able to give rise to a new plant. The purpose fo the rhizome is to store starches, proteins, and other nutrients for the plant, like the hump on a camels back. These stored nutrients are used by the the plant when new shoots are sent up or when the plant dies back for the winter.

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