| Term | rhizome |
| Alternate Terms | creeping rootstock; underground stem |
| Definition | A rhizome is a horizontal underground stem that grows parallel to the soil surface and produces roots and shoots from its nodes. It enables vegetative propagation and nutrient storage in plants. Rhizomes are key structures in many medicinal herbs. |
| Category | botany |
| Context | Rhizomes are valued in herbal traditions for concentrated active compounds. |
| Etymology | From Greek rhizoma meaning mass of roots. |
| Examples | ginger; turmeric; lotus |
| Related Terms | root; tuber; stolon |
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