Bulb Anatomy

All About Bulbs

Bulbs have been a part of natural medicine and a dietary staple for centuries.  Some examples of a bulb are onions, tulips, narcissus, daffodils, lily, scilla (squill) and garlic. Garlic is usually thought of as a bulb, but it is not a true bulb. It is actually a corm. Many bulbs are used in botanical remedies, but some are also included in many diets around the world.  Onion and garlic are common recipe ingredients, but did you know you that tulip bulbs  can also  be a nutritious food?

A bulb is an underground modified stem that stores food for a plant.  It is usually vertical and has layers of modified starchy leaves that store food for the plant.

The bulk herbs which we offer in bulk form are:

Lily Bulb      Fritillary Bulb        Garlic Granules

bulbs  herb bulbs

 

Parts of a Bulb

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Tunic – A paper like covering that protects the bulb.

Scales – Are modified leaves that store nutrients for the plant.

Bud – Immature plant.

Basal Plate – Is the bottom of the bulb.  The roots emerge from the basal plate.

Roots – Collect water and nutrients for the plant.  Help anchor the plant into the ground.

 

 Corm

A corm is usually referred to as a bulb, but it is not a true bulb.  Corms are solid and do not have layers like a bulb does.  Instead, it has swollen segments that store food for the plant.   These segments are housed in a bulb shaped base stem. Examples of corms include garlic, gladiolas, crocus, and tuberous begonias.

The plant bulb consists of different parts, each performing a vital function in the plant's life cycle. The basal plate firmly secures the bulb in the soil, serving as the anchor for root attachment. The surrounding scales provide protection for the inner tissues and store essential food reserves. At the heart of the bulb, is the shoot apical meristem. The shoot apical meristem is a crucial region of plant growth found at the tips of shoots and branches. This specialized tissue is responsible for producing new cells that lead to the development of leaves, flowers, and stems. Through a process called cell division, the shoot apical meristem plays a vital role in controlling the overall growth and architecture of the plant. Its ability to continuously generate new tissues allows the plant to adapt to its environment and respond to various stimuli, ensuring proper growth and development.

 

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Reference
http://extension.illinois.edu/bulbs/bulbbasics.cfm
http://www.medplants.net/tulip
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornamental_bulbous_plant

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_onion
https://pixabay.com/en/flowers-bulbs-tulips-daffodils-2611/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissus_poeticus
http://www.paynes.com/what-grows-here/bulbs-corms-tubers/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornamental_bulbous_plant
http://extension.illinois.edu/bulbs/bulbbasics.cfm
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crocus_sieberi_-_tricolor.jpg
http://www.jphotostyle.com/g/garlic.html

Images used were found in a search for an image licensed for reuse on 4-2-2016
Images used where found ina search for images with a "free to use" license on 4-4-2016.