corm
)
Corms, found in plants such as the gladiolus and crocus, are underground storage organs. They provide the food for growth during adverse conditions such as cold or drought.
Short, swollen, underground plant stem, surrounded by protective scale leaves, as seen in the genus Crocus. It stores food, provides a means of vegetative reproduction, and acts as a perennating organ.
During the year, the corm gradually withers as the food reserves are used for the production of leafy, flowering shoots formed from axillary buds. Several new corms are formed at the base of these shoots, above the old corm.
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|
?Sign in  |
|---|