Tuber: A thickened underground stem that stores nutrients and can produce new plants.
Think of a tuber as a plant’s underground pantry and nursery rolled into one. It’s like a potato, but not all potatoes are tubers. Imagine a potato, its knobby surface dotted with “eyes,” each capable of sprouting a new plant.
In a home garden, tubers are a convenient way to propagate plants like potatoes, dahlias, and Jerusalem artichokes. You can plant them directly in the ground, and they’ll sprout into new plants. They’re like little plant factories, producing both food and new offspring. Also, you must be careful when digging around in the garden because you might accidentally damage a tuber.
Ultimately, tubers are a clever adaptation that allows plants to survive harsh conditions and reproduce efficiently. They remind us that sometimes, the best things are hidden underground.
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