bulbbearing

Bulbbearing refers to plants that form bulbs as underground storage organs, enabling perennation and regrowth after unfavorable seasons. The bulb typically consists of a short stem and fleshy storage leaves (scales) arranged around a basal plate, often enclosed by a dry papery tunic in tunicate species. Non-tunicate bulbs lack this outer covering. The nutrient-rich tissue inside feeds new shoots during the next growing season. Bulbs differ from corms in structure: bulbs are primarily composed of leaf scales, while corms are swollen stems with tunics.

Ecology and reproduction: Bulbs allow plants to survive cold winters or dry periods in temperate regions. Many bulbous plants are geophytes that retreat underground during dormancy and reemerge when conditions improve. They reproduce both sexually through seeds and asexually via offsets or bulblets formed at the base of the parent bulb, enabling localized spread. After flowering, leaves photosynthesize to replenish stores before dormancy returns.

Examples and cultivation: Notable bulb-bearing ornamentals include tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and lilies. Edible bulbs, such as onions and garlic, are also bulb-bearing. In horticulture, bulbs are planted at a depth of roughly two to three times their height in well-drained soil. Water is typically supplied during active growth, with a period of reduced moisture during dormancy. After flowering, foliage is usually allowed to die back naturally to spare energy for storage.

Taxonomy and conservation: The bulb-bearing habit occurs across multiple monocot families and reflects convergent evolution rather than a single lineage. Many wild bulb species face threats from habitat loss and over-collection, making ex-situ propagation and seed conservation important.