Rhizome, << RY zohm, >> is a horizontal stem that grows at or just below the soil surface. Rhizomes produce leaves and flowers that rise above the soil, and small roots below. They can also produce buds that develop into branches. Some nonwoody perennial plants, such as iris, ginseng, wild ginger, and bloodroot, have rhizomes. Ginger root, which is used in Asian cooking, is a rhizome. In many plants, rhizomes can be thick and can function as an organ for the storage of food.
