pseudobulber

Pseudobulbar is a term sometimes used in botany to describe a structure that resembles a bulb but is not a true bulb. True bulbs are underground storage organs typically composed of fleshy, layered leaves or scales surrounding a central bud. They are characteristic of plants like onions, tulips, and lilies. Pseudobulbs, on the other hand, are often found in orchids and are typically swollen stems or sections of stems that serve as storage organs for water and nutrients. Unlike true bulbs, which have distinct leaf layers, pseudobulbs are usually more solid or fibrous and do not exhibit the same layered structure. They can vary greatly in size, shape, and appearance depending on the orchid species. These structures help orchids survive periods of drought or unfavorable conditions by storing reserves. The term pseudobulb is specifically associated with the Orchidaceae family, where these modified stems are a common feature aiding in survival and propagation.