Other Geophytes, Geophytes

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Geophytes is an inclusive term for species that produce a modified underground structure used to store food and adapted to survive periods of harsh environmental conditions.

Photo example of a geophyte.

The two principal climatic yearly cycles for which they are adapted are the warm-cold cycle found in temperate areas, and the wet-dry cycle found in Mediterranean, tropical and subtropical environments.

Geophytes include bulbs, corms, tubers, tuberous roots, tuberous stems, rhizomes and pseudobulbs.

Structure	Characteristics	Plant Species
Bulb	A short modified stem enclosed in fleshy leaves (scales) modified for food storage.	Tulip Daffodil Lily
Corm	Underground modified stem with compacted nodes with lateral buds and a papery covering.	Crocus Liatris Gladiolus Freesia
Tuber	Swollen underground stem modified for food storage. Similar to a corm but lacks papery covering.	Potato Caladium Anemone
Tuberous stem	Flattened swollen stem made by enlargement of the hypocotyl. A perennial structure.	Cyclamen Gloxinia Begonia
Tuberous root	Enlarged fleshy root with shoots produced at one end and roots at the other.	Dahlia Sweet potato Iris
Rhizome	Specialized storage stem that grows horizontally at or just below the soil surface.	Bearded iris Bamboo Ginger
Pseudobulb	Above-ground, enlarged stem found in orchids.	Cymbidium