Gumós

Gumós is a term used in horticulture to describe plants that form underground storage organs called tubers. Tubers are swollen structures that store starch and other nutrients, enabling plants to survive unfavorable seasons and to reproduce vegetatively. In gumós species, storage organs may arise from different plant parts: stem tubers, which develop from swollen underground stems, and root tubers, which form from thickened roots. The classification varies by species, but the distinction helps gardeners understand growth and propagation patterns.

Examples range from stem tubers such as the potato (Solanum tuberosum) to root tubers such as the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Other plants form tubers irregularly or as part of a seasonal cycle, including various ornamental and forage species.

Propagation typically occurs by planting tubers or tuber pieces, which sprout to form new shoots. Tubers often store reserves that support new growth after dormancy; temperature, light, and moisture influence sprouting. Proper storage to prevent premature sprouting and decay is an important practical concern for gardeners and farmers.

Gumós is not a formal taxonomic group; rather, it describes a functional or morphological trait used in horticultural descriptions and everyday gardening. Understanding whether a plant has stem or root tubers helps in determining cultivation methods, feeding needs, and harvest timing.