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Tuber

/TOO-ber/
🌳 Plant Types Basic

Also known as: tuberous root

An enlarged, fleshy underground structure that stores nutrients for the plant. Stem tubers (like potatoes) develop from stolons and bear buds or eyes from which new shoots grow. Root tubers (like dahlias and sweet potatoes) are swollen roots that lack eyes but can produce adventitious buds. Tubers allow plants to survive drought or winter and are an important food source worldwide.

Etymology

Latin tuber (lump, bump, truffle)

Example

Each potato tuber has multiple eyes, and each eye can sprout a new plant if given adequate moisture and warmth.