Tag: Modified stem

Despite growing underground, an onion is not a root; it is a bulb, which is a modified underground stem designed for food storage. This distinction is key for understanding plant morphology, even though many mistakenly label it as a root vegetable.

Botanically, the edible part of a garlic plant is not a root but a bulb, which is a type of modified underground stem. While it grows underground and is often mistaken for a root vegetable, its structure and function are fundamentally different from a true root.

Globally, onions are the second largest vegetable crop produced after tomatoes, according to some reports. Despite their widespread use in kitchens, many are unsure: is an onion root or stem? The simple answer is that it is neither, but rather a specialized bulb structure that serves a unique purpose for the plant.