Difference Between Rhizome and Root

Rhizome vs Root

It is important to recognize plants as one of man’s primary providers for the continuation of life. Botany paves the way for further study of plants and its families. Their wonders and characteristics also open the minds of many to the systems in which they thrive.

A rhizome is a hefty horizontal stem of a plant, usually found underground, and often branching out roots and shoots from its nodes. Its origin comes from the Greek word “rhizome,” which means “mass of roots.” Rhizomes are essentially underground modified stems. They develop parallel to the Earth’s surface having nodes and internodes as stems, tiny leaves, and buds. Rhizomes work as food storage and aid in vegetative propagation which is a method of growing rhizome pieces into new plants. Examples of plants that are grown this way consist of asparagus, ginger, hops, and orchids.

Some plants have rhizomes that breed at ground level or that lie at the soil surface itself including ferns. Rhizomes generally form a sole layer, but a plant called Giant Horsetails can be multi-layered.
Meanwhile, roots are part of the root system that put rhizomes under its hood. It is the organ of a plant that usually lies underground. However, some roots can grow aerially, or above the ground, or by aerating, or above water. It is essential to determine a root as a part of a plant body that has no leaves and nodes.

The four major functions of roots include: absorption of water and nutrients, storage of food, prevention of soil erosion, and attachment of the plant body to the ground.

There are about 14 main types of roots for unique purposes. Most of them cater to different uses almost always aiding in the growth of a plant’s body.

Roots are vital not only to plants but also to humans. Aside from plants that are consumed by man to complement his diet, roots can also be used for the same purpose. Fortunately, roots are found to have essential nutrients and minerals that can also be used in health endeavors. Roots also have a great responsibility in upholding a healthy environment for the benefit of humans.

Summary:

1.Rhizomes are essentially underground modified stems while roots are part of the root system that put rhizomes under its hood.
2.Rhizomes work as food storage and aid in vegetative propagation while roots’ functions include absorption of water and nutrients, storage of food, prevention of soil erosion, and attachment of the plant body to the ground.
3.Rhizomes have nodes, internodes, tiny leaves, and buds while roots don’t have anything similar.

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