Corm
/KORM/🌳 Plant Types●● Intermediate
Also known as: cormel
A short, vertical, swollen underground stem surrounded by dry, papery leaf bases (tunics). Unlike bulbs, corms are solid throughout and composed of stem tissue rather than fleshy leaves. Each year the old corm is consumed and a new one forms on top. Cormels (small corms) may develop around the base. Common corm-bearing plants include crocus, gladiolus, and freesia.
Etymology
Greek kormos (trimmed tree trunk)
Example
“Gladiolus corms should be lifted after the first frost and stored in a cool, dry place over winter.”