Potatoes are considered stems and not roots because of their unique characteristics and growth habits. Below are the reasons why potatoes are classified as stems:

Storage organ

Potatoes are storage organs that develop from the underground stem of the potato plant, known as the stolon. The stolons develop from the axillary buds of the stem, and as the plant grows, the stolons enlarge and become modified into tubers. Therefore, potatoes are modified stems and not roots.

Node and internode

Potato plants have nodes and internodes, which are characteristics of stem plants. Nodes are the points on the stem where leaves, buds, and branches emerge, while internodes are the spaces between two adjacent nodes. In potatoes, the nodes are where the stolons originate, and the tubers develop from these nodes. This is another reason why potatoes are classified as stems.

Leaves and buds

Potato plants have leaves and buds, which are also typical characteristics of stem plants. The leaves of the potato plant grow from the nodes of the stem, and the buds grow from the axillary buds of the stem. The buds are responsible for producing new stems, leaves, and flowers, which is another indication that potatoes are stems.

Xylem and phloem

Potato stems have xylem and phloem, which are transport tissues that are responsible for moving water, nutrients, and sugars between the roots and the rest of the plant. While the xylem and phloem in potato stems may be different from other stem plants, their presence confirms that potatoes are stems and not roots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, potatoes are considered stems and not roots because they have characteristics that are typical of stem plants, such as nodes, internodes, leaves, buds, and transport tissues. While they may be modified stems, potatoes are still classified as stems because of these characteristics.

Potato is considered as a stem vegetable because it grows in underground stems, known as stolons.

Potato tubers are considered to be thick stems that have the buds sprouting stems and leaves.

Roots do not possess the above mentioned attributes and hence, potato is considered as a stem and not a root .