rhizomatous

Rhizomatous describes a growth habit in which a plant produces rhizomes—horizontal underground stems that grow laterally and generate roots and shoots at nodes. Rhizomes function as storage organs for carbohydrates and as a means of vegetative propagation. They may lie just beneath the soil surface or be mostly subterranean, and they often have nodes and internodes with scale-like leaves or root primordia. This form contrasts with bulbs, true tubers, and with stolons, which run along the surface.

Rhizomatous species spread clonally by extending rhizomes from established plants to form new shoots distant from the parent. This enables persistence through drought or cold and can facilitate rapid colonization in suitable habitats. Because new individuals arise from nodes, fragmentation of the rhizome in soil or through disturbance can regenerate plants, making such species potentially aggressive in gardens or natural areas.

Common examples include bearded iris (Iris spp.), many ferns with creeping rhizomes, and several edible crops such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) and galangal. Bamboo and other creeping grasses often exhibit rhizomatous growth, allowing extensive clonal stands. In horticulture, rhizomes are often divided to propagate plants or to control spread; gardeners may also manage rhizome growth to prevent unwanted spreading or to remove old material after dormancy. Rhizomes contribute to perenniality and can influence a plant’s ecological niche.