Plants need roots to grow, but sometimes they also need rhizomes - weird horizontal root systems growing underground.
While not all plants have them, they can be quite beneficial, because they can make your plants strong and resilient.
Let's find out more about rhizomes and why they are beneficial for plants.
What are they?
Rhizomes are a special part of a plant that grows underground, sort of like plant roots, but they're different.
These underground parts are like a plant's storage and spreading system.
Here are a few benefits of rhizomes.
Storage
Rhizomes store food and nutrients. It's like a pantry for the plant. This stored energy can be used later when the plant needs it, like during the winter.
Spreading
Rhizomes help the plant spread and grow in new places.
They can send out shoots (new plant parts) and roots from different points on the rhizome. This is how some plants create more plants.
Survival
Rhizomes are handy when the plant faces tough times.
If the top part of the plant gets damaged or eaten, the rhizome can help the plant recover and grow again.
Conclusion
Plants use rhizomes to be more flexible, survive changes in the environment, and make more plants when needed.
It's like their secret underground superpower!
