Tubers again

[Marc Hachadourian]

I have a feeling that this is going to be one of those "which came
first- chicken/egg" arguments. ;)

First  both corms and tubers are both stems that have been modified into
storage organs. Bulbs on the other hand are actually modified leaves.

so which is it? corm or tuber? I think that it is most likely TUBER.
Corms although stems are usually surounded by dry scale like leaves
which are remnants of the previous years growth. (examples Freesia or
Gladiolus) After flowering one or two new corms are produced above the
old corm.( I think that this characteristic is the source of most
of the confusion) In addition some new smaller cormels are produced at
the base of the new corm.
Arisaema tubers lack these leaf sheaths and when new smaller tubers are
produces by a mature plant they are produced near the Top of the tuber.
Arisaemas have also been known to produce new plants/tubers on the ends
of stolons (potatos do this too) I know of no cormous plant that has the
ability to do this.


"My personal problem was that I have a hard time seeing much resemblance
betweenan arisaema "whatever" and the classic example of a tuber, the
potato."
Sometimes you can't tell just be looking. Would you believe that
Clematis and Delphiniums are in the same family (Ranunculaceae)?

" He goes on to write that removing the main bud just as it starts into
growth will stimulate the formation of small corms (another subject
worthy of discussion)."
this is a common practice when growing Caladiums commercially. if one
wants a large single growth plant the main eye is left intact. If you
want a smaller plant with many leaves you just dig your nail into the
main growth. By doing this you cause the smaller dormant eyes to sprout.
I must say though that I would not try this to an Arisaema without
experimenting first. I have propigated Alocasia and Xanthosomas in a way
simialr to this. I suspect that this would work. I don't think that the
number of smaller plants that the tuber produced would be worth
sacrificing the slowering growth. Besides the tubers that would be
produced would be smaller than the parent probably taking at least
another year of growth before reaching flowering size.

"I would agree that the AEG should get it right and spread the word.
But I need to be 100% convinced that "corm" is unacceptable terminology
before I join the crusade! "

I think that alot of the confusion is the ever problematic common vs.
true scientific classification (example tomato fruit or veggie!?) I mean
how many people are planting crocus bulbs this time of year not crocus
corms (what they really are)

How about it? are you convinced yet? I am trying my best. Well if I
didn't how about any one else? I challenge you CORM or TUBER?


Tuberously yours

Marc :)