cormose

Cormose is a term used in botany to describe a type of plant stem that is a short, thickened, vertical, and underground stem. It serves as a storage organ and is a characteristic feature of certain plant species, particularly those belonging to the families Iridaceae and Araceae. The cormose stem is distinct from a bulb or tuber, though it shares some functional similarities. Unlike a bulb, which is composed of modified leaves, a corm is primarily a modified stem. It is typically covered by dry, papery leaves that protect the corm as it grows.

The structure of a cormose stem allows it to survive unfavorable conditions such as drought or cold, enabling the plant to regrow when conditions improve. During periods of dormancy, the corm stores starch and other nutrients. When conditions become favorable, new shoots emerge from buds located on the top of the corm, and roots develop from the bottom. This regenerative capacity makes corms valuable for perennial plants. Examples of plants with corms include gladiolus, crocus, and taro. The size and shape of corms can vary significantly between species.