Bracken is an invader of open or disturbed areas with an extensive branched rhizome, which may grow to about 400 metres (1,300 feet) in length.
Ferns typically possess a rhizome (horizontal stem) that grows partially underground; the deeply divided fronds (leaves) and the roots grow out of the rhizome.
The photosynthetic function is assumed by the stem, and the underground rhizome anchors the plant.
Some infections progress into the rhizome (rootlike stem), followed by rapid invasion of the rootstock and leaf bases.
In those species adapted to dunes or other sandy sites, the rhizome systems play an important role in dune formation and soil stabilization.
Dry rot, symptom of fungal disease in plants, characterized by firm spongy to leathery or hard decay of stem (branch), trunk, root, rhizome, corm, bulb, or fruit.
Most primitive orchids have a rather ordinary monocot appearance with a short rhizome stem and erect, nonthickened annual stems having scattered, spirally arranged leaves and a terminal inflorescence (flower cluster).
In Southeast Asia, many members of the family Zingiberaceae that have tall leafy stems produce their flowers on separate short sheath-covered stems that arise from buds on the rhizome; the flowers are protected by overlapping bracts, the whole inflorescence often being shaped like a pinecone.
Unlike other arborescent lycopsids of the Carboniferous Period (about 359 million to 299 million years ago), such as Lepidodendron and Sigillaria, Pleuromeia had a four-lobed bulblike base rather than a branching underground rhizome.
Among these are the solid corms of the crocus and gladiolus and the elongated rhizome of some irises.
