Potato is a stem vegetable. The potatoes grow on underground stem. The potato tubers are actually thickened stem they have buds that sprout stem and leafs. Roots can’t do that. And the potatoes are under the ground so they are called underground stem. Some examples of underground stem vegetables are onion, ginger, carrot, sweet potato etc. the stems function is as store tissue for food and nutrients and survival from one growing season to another.

Introduction

Potato is a widely consumed root vegetable that is known for its versatility and nutritional value. Interestingly, potato is not actually a root, but an underground stem called a tuber. This unique characteristic sets potato apart from other root vegetables like carrots or beets. In this article, we will explore the reasons why potato is called an underground stem.

What is a stem?

Before delving into the specifics of why potato is classified as an underground stem, it is important to understand the concept of a stem. In botany, a stem is a vital part of a plant that serves several functions. It provides support for the plant, transports water and nutrients, and produces leaves, flowers, and fruits. Stems are typically located above the ground, but in the case of potato, the stem grows underground.

The structure of a potato plant

To understand why potato is called an underground stem, let's take a closer look at the structure of a potato plant. A potato plant consists of several parts:

1. Roots: The roots of a potato plant are responsible for anchoring it in the soil and absorbing water and nutrients from the ground.

2. Stems: The stems of a potato plant are modified and known as stolons. These stolons grow horizontally beneath the soil surface and produce tubers.

3. Tubers: The tubers are the edible part of the potato plant. They are actually modified stems that store nutrients for the plant's growth and survival.

Characteristics of a potato tuber

Potato tubers possess several characteristics that differentiate them from true roots:

1. Buds or "eyes": On the surface of a potato tuber, small indentations or bumps known as "eyes" can be observed. These eyes are actually dormant buds that have the potential to grow into a new potato plant.

2. Nodes and internodes: Like a typical stem, potato tubers have nodes and internodes. Nodes are the areas where buds or eyes are located, while internodes are the spaces between nodes.

3. Axillary buds: The buds present in the eyes of a potato tuber are known as axillary buds. Axillary buds have the ability to develop into new shoots and roots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, potato is called an underground stem because its tubers possess key characteristics that are typical of stems rather than roots. These characteristics include the presence of buds or eyes, nodes, internodes, and axillary buds. Understanding the unique structure of a potato plant helps us appreciate the diverse forms that plants can take and the fascinating adaptations they have developed for survival.

Potato is called underground stem. ... Thepotatoes grow onunderground stems, calledstolons. potato tubers are actually thickened stems because they have buds that sprout stems and leaves. Roots don't do that.