Bulbis

Bulbis refers to a type of underground plant storage organ. These structures are typically swollen leaves or stems that accumulate nutrients to help the plant survive unfavorable conditions such as winter or drought. The term is often used interchangeably with bulbs, corms, and tubers, though technically there are distinctions. True bulbs, like those of onions and tulips, have fleshy layers of modified leaves surrounding a central bud. Corms, such as those found in gladiolus and crocus, are solid, swollen stems with scale-like leaves. Tubers, exemplified by potatoes and dahlias, are also swollen stems, but they are primarily characterized by the presence of "eyes," which are dormant buds capable of developing into new shoots. The primary function of a bulbis is to store food reserves, allowing the plant to regrow when conditions become suitable. This adaptation is crucial for perennial plants, enabling them to survive dormancy and reproduce year after year. The specific morphology and composition of a bulbis vary significantly across different plant species, reflecting their evolutionary adaptations to diverse environments.