section of a bulb

Bulb: underground structure of certain plants where nutrients are stored; it ensures seasonal regrowth of the aboveground part of the plant.

bulbet

A secondary bulb that develops from a bud growing out of the side of the main bulb; it can break away and grow into a new plant.

underground stem

Main part of the bulb extending from the base to the bud and protected by fleshy leaves.

fleshy leaf

Nutrient-rich leaf underneath the scale leaf.

root

Underground structure that anchors the plant to the soil and enables the plant to absorb water and mineral salts.

base

Round part located at the bulb’s base from which the stem, roots and fleshy leaves grow.

bud

Small plantlike structure constituting a collection of immature organs that will develop once it opens.

scale leaf

Bulb’s external casing; it is made of layered papery leaves.