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Taro corms for sale in a Réunion market

Corm, bulbo-tuber, or bulbotuber is a short, vertical, swollen, underground plant stem that serves as a storage organ that some plants use to survive winter or other adverse conditions such as summer drought and heat (perennation).

The word cormous usually means plants that grow from corms, parallel to the terms tuberous and bulbous to describe plants growing from tubers and bulbs.[1]

Crocosmia corm with the tunic partly stripped to show its origin at the nodes on the corm cortex.
Crocosmia corm anatomy, showing tunic, cortex of storage tissue, central medulla, and emergence of a new corm from a bud near the top.
Crocosmia corm with stolons emerging through the tunic. The stolons originate at the axillary buds of the corm scales, and generally produce new corms at their tips
Corms of Gladiolus Italicus, Behbahan
Corms of Gladiolus Italicus, Behbahan

A corm consists of one or more internodes with at least one growing point, generally with protective leaves modified into skins or tunics. The tunic of a corm forms from dead petiole sheaths—remnants of leaves produced in previous years. They act as a covering, protecting the corm from insects, digging animals, flooding, and water loss. The tunics of some species are thin, dry, and papery, at least in young plants, however, in some families, such as Iridaceae, the tunic of a mature corm can be formidable protection. For example, some of the larger species of Watsonia accumulate thick, rot-resistant tunics over a period of years, producing a structure of tough, reticulated fibre. Other species, such as many in the genus Lapeirousia, have tunics of hard, woody layers.[2]

Internally, a typical corm mostly consists of parenchyma cells, rich in starch, above a circular basal node from which roots grow.[citation needed]

Long-lived cormous plants vary in their long-term development. Some regularly replace their older corms with a stack of younger corms, increased more or less seasonally. By splitting such a stack before the older corm generations wither too badly, the horticulturist can exploit the individual corms for propagation. Other species seldom do anything of that kind; their corms simply grow larger in most seasons. Yet others split when multiple buds or stolons on a large corm sprout independently, forming a tussock.[citation needed]

Corms can be dug up and used to propagate or redistribute the plant (see, for example, taro). Plants with corms generally can be propagated by cutting the corms into sections and replanting. Suitably treated, each section with at least one bud usually can generate a new corm.

Comparison to bulbs

[edit]

Corms are sometimes confused with true bulbs; they are often similar in appearance to bulbs externally, and thus erroneously called bulbs. Corms are stems that are internally structured with solid tissues, which distinguishes them from bulbs, which are mostly made up of layered fleshy scales that are modified leaves. As a result, a corm cut in half appears solid inside, but a true bulb cut in half reveals that it is made up of layers.[3] Corms are structurally plant stems, with nodes and internodes with buds and produce adventitious roots. On the top of the corm, one or a few buds grow into shoots that produce normal leaves and flowers.

Gladiolus corm, showing the formation of small cormels at the ends of short stolons

Cormels

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Corms can form many small cormlets called cormels, from the basal areas of the new growing corms, especially when the main growing point is damaged. These propagate corm-forming plants. A number of species replace corms every year by growing a new corm. This process starts after the shoot develops fully expanded leaves. The new corm forms at the shoot base just above the old corm. As the new corm grows, short stolons appear that end with the newly growing small cormels. As the plants grow and flower, they use up the old corm, which shrivels away. The new corm that replaces the old corm grows in size, especially after flowering ends.

The old corm produces the greatest number of cormels when close to the soil surface. Small cormels normally take one or two more years of growth before they are large enough to flower.

Cormels do have a reproductive function, but in the wild they also are important as a survival strategy. In most places where geophytes are common, so are animals that feed on them, whether from above like pigs, or from below like bulb weevils, mole rats, or pocket gophers. Such animals eat through protective tunics, but they generally miss several cormels that remain in the soil to replace the consumed plant. Plants such as Homeria, Watsonia and Gladiolus, genera that are vulnerable to such animals, are probably the ones that produce cormels in the greatest numbers and most widely distributed over the plant. Homeria species produce bunches of cormels on underground stem nodes, and Watsonia meriana for example actually produces cormels profusely from under bracts on the inflorescences.[4]

Those growing from the bottom of the corm are normal fibrous roots formed as the shoots grow, and are produced from the basal area at the bottom of the corm. The second type are thicker layered roots called contractile roots that form as the new corms are growing. They pull the corm deeper into the soil. In some species contractile roots are produced in response to fluctuating soil temperatures and light levels. In such species, once the corm is deep enough within the soil where the temperature is more uniform and there is no light, the contractile roots no longer grow and the corm is no longer pulled deeper into the soil. In some other species, contractile roots seem to be a defence against digging animals and can bury the corm surprisingly deeply over the years. Wurmbea marginata[4] is one example of a small plant that can be challenging to dig unharmed out of a hard, clayey, hillside.

Cormous plants

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Corm on Alocasia macrorrhizos

Cultivated plants that form corms include:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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Corm

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A corm is a short, vertical, swollen underground stem that functions as a storage organ for nutrients and water in certain plants, enabling perennation through unfavorable seasons.[1] Unlike bulbs, which consist of modified leaves surrounding a bud, corms are solid masses of stem tissue featuring distinct nodes and internodes, often enclosed by a protective tunic of dried leaf bases.[2] When cut transversely, corms lack the layered storage rings visible in bulbs, instead showing a uniform, starchy interior.[3] Corms typically arise from the base of a previous season's stem and support the emergence of roots from their basal plate, leaves and flowers from the apical growing point, and sometimes lateral buds that develop into daughter cormels for vegetative propagation.[3] This structure allows monocotyledonous plants, particularly in families like Iridaceae and Araceae, to store carbohydrates and survive dormancy, producing new shoots annually.[4] Prominent examples include the crocus (Crocus spp.), which forms small, tunic-covered corms that yield early spring blooms, and the gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.), featuring larger corms that support tall spikes of summer flowers.[5] Other notable species with corms are freesia (Freesia spp.)[5] and certain taro varieties (Colocasia spp.)[6], highlighting their role in both ornamental horticulture and agriculture.

Definition and Characteristics

Definition

A corm is a short, vertical, swollen underground plant stem that serves as an organ of perennation, nutrient storage, and vegetative reproduction in certain geophytes.[7] Unlike bulbs, which consist of layered fleshy scales derived from modified leaves, or tubers, which are enlarged roots, corms are solid throughout and originate from stem tissue, providing a compact structure for overwintering or surviving dormancy periods.[8] The term "corm" derives from the Greek word kormos, meaning "log," "trunk," or "stump" (specifically a tree trunk with branches lopped off), entering botanical usage via New Latin cormus in the 19th century.[9] This etymology reflects the organ's sturdy, log-like appearance as a thickened stem base. Corms form at the base of the previous season's flowering stem following leaf senescence and entry into dormancy, where meristematic activity accumulates carbohydrates to swell the tissue for the next growth cycle.[7] The structure is often enclosed by a thin protective tunic of dried leaf bases, aiding in desiccation resistance.[10]

Morphological Characteristics

A corm is characterized by its vertical orientation in the soil, presenting a flattened or rounded shape that serves as a compact underground stem. These structures typically measure 1-10 cm in diameter, varying by species such as the smaller crocus corms or larger gladiolus ones. The solid, swollen form distinguishes corms from other storage organs, enabling efficient nutrient retention while maintaining a stem-like architecture.[2][7][11] Structurally, corms feature distinct nodes and internodes, reflecting their origin as modified stems, with a flattened basal plate at the base where adventitious roots emerge and an apical meristem at the top that initiates new shoot growth. Enveloping the corm is the tunica, a protective layer of papery or fibrous material derived from dried leaf bases, which shields the organ from environmental stresses. Additionally, contractile roots, often 3-10 mm in diameter and fleshy in appearance, arise from the basal plate and contract to draw the corm deeper into the soil, enhancing protection against surface exposure.[2][11][7][12]

Anatomy and Physiology

External Anatomy

A corm's external surface is typically smooth or slightly rough, often bearing prominent scars or remnants from the bases of previous leaves and flower stalks that have withered away after the growing season. These scars mark the nodes along the shortened stem axis, providing visible evidence of the corm's developmental history. In many species, such as those in the Iridaceae family, the surface may appear fibrous due to persistent dried tissues.[12] The basal plate forms the flattened, disc-like bottom of the corm, from which numerous adventitious roots emerge perpendicularly into the soil, anchoring the structure and facilitating nutrient uptake. This plate consists of compressed stem tissue and is a defining external feature that distinguishes corms from other storage organs, as roots arise directly from it rather than from a separate root system. In examples like Gladiolus, the basal plate is clearly visible and supports robust root development during dormancy break.[13][3] At the opposite end, the apical region presents a slightly domed or rounded top, housing the apical meristem where new shoots, leaves, and inflorescences originate in the following season. This area often features a central growing point or bud, protected by overlying tissues, and serves as the primary site for vegetative renewal. The dome shape aids in efficient emergence through soil layers upon activation.[3][12] The tunica, or protective outer covering, envelops the corm and varies in texture across species: it is typically dry, papery, and membranous in monocots like Gladiolus, forming thin, scale-like layers derived from leaf bases that shield against desiccation and pathogens. In contrast, corms of plants such as taro (Colocasia esculenta) exhibit a tough, fibrous outer covering with rough ridges, suited to tropical environments.[1][14] These variations enhance survival in diverse habitats. Axillary buds appear as small, protruding nodes along the sides of the corm, positioned at the axils of scale leaves, and can develop into offset cormels under favorable conditions. These buds are often inconspicuous externally but represent potential sites for clonal propagation, remaining dormant until the main shoot emerges. In Gladiolus, such buds may cluster near the basal plate, contributing to the plant's perennial habit.[11][2]

Internal Structure

The internal structure of a corm consists primarily of ground tissue dominated by parenchyma cells, which form the bulk of the organ and serve as the main site for nutrient storage. These parenchyma cells are thin-walled and packed with starch grains, enabling the corm to accumulate reserves that support future growth. Unlike more specialized tissues, the parenchyma provides a uniform, fleshy matrix throughout the corm's interior, contributing to its solid, bulbous appearance.[15] Vascular bundles are embedded within this parenchyma matrix, facilitating the transport of water, minerals, and nutrients. In monocotyledonous plants, which produce most corms, these bundles are scattered irregularly throughout the ground tissue, a pattern typical of their stem anatomy. Each bundle contains xylem toward the center for water conduction and phloem on the periphery for nutrient distribution, often surrounded by supportive sclerenchyma fibers.[16][17] Meristematic regions are concentrated at key points within the corm to drive growth and reproduction. An apical meristem at the top promotes vertical elongation and shoot development, while axillary meristems along the sides give rise to lateral buds that can form daughter corms, or cormels. These undifferentiated cell layers remain active during the growing season, enabling regenerative capacity without secondary thickening.[15] Corms lack the layered, scale-like structures found in bulbs, presenting instead a solid, homogeneous interior composed entirely of stem tissue. This absence of protective scales or leaf modifications results in a compact organ without a cambium layer, distinguishing it from woody stems or bulbous storage units. The exterior is covered by a thin, papery tunic derived from dried leaf bases, but the core remains uniformly parenchymatous.[18] Water content varies significantly between growth phases, remaining high to support metabolic activity during active development and decreasing during dormancy to prevent decay and promote longevity. This fluctuation aids in the corm's adaptation to seasonal cycles, with hydration levels influencing tissue turgor and starch mobilization readiness.[7]

Physiological Role

Corms primarily function as organs of perennation, enabling plants to endure adverse environmental conditions such as winter cold, summer drought, or seasonal extremes by entering a dormant state. During this dormancy, metabolic activity in the corm is minimized, preserving viability until favorable conditions return, as observed in species like Crocus sativus where corms cease meristematic activity from April to May following leaf senescence.[7][19] This adaptation ensures the plant's survival across annual cycles, with the mother corm producing daughter corms that replace it upon depletion.[7] A key physiological role of corms involves nutrient storage, where they accumulate carbohydrates—predominantly starch—and water reserves to fuel subsequent growth phases. These reserves, stored in the starch-rich parenchyma, are mobilized during sprouting through enzymatic degradation of starch into soluble sugars, providing energy for shoot emergence and early development, as seen in saffron corms where starch levels peak at approximately 700 mg/g dry weight before breakdown.[19][20] In Gladiolus hybridus, this process supports cormel formation and overall plant vigor post-dormancy.[21] Hormone regulation governs the transition from dormancy to active growth in corms, with auxins and gibberellins playing pivotal roles in breaking dormancy and initiating sprouting. Gibberellins, such as GA₃, promote starch degradation by upregulating genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, while auxins (e.g., IAA) enhance gibberellin synthesis and amylase activity, accelerating reserve mobilization, particularly under low-light conditions in saffron.[20] This hormonal interplay antagonizes dormancy-promoting factors like abscisic acid, which accumulates to maintain storage during the inactive phase in Gladiolus.[21] Corms respond to environmental cues, including temperature and photoperiod, to synchronize sprouting and development with optimal growing seasons. In Crocus sativus, germination is triggered at temperatures of 23–30°C, while flowering requires a subsequent drop to around 16°C, ensuring timely resource allocation; photoperiod influences this by modulating sugar metabolism and hormone sensitivity.[22][23] Evolutionarily, corms confer a significant advantage to monocots by facilitating adaptation to seasonal and disturbed habitats, leading to higher diversification rates compared to non-geophytic relatives. Geophytes with corms exhibit net diversification rates of 0.04579 events per million years, enabling dominance in ecosystems prone to fire, drought, or frost through protected underground meristems and rapid post-dormancy growth.[24]

Comparison to Other Underground Storage Organs

Comparison to Bulbs

Corms and bulbs serve similar functions as underground storage organs for nutrients and overwintering in many monocotyledonous plants, but they exhibit distinct structural differences. A corm is a solid, vertically oriented, swollen underground stem composed of parenchyma tissue with distinct nodes and internodes, often enclosed by a thin, papery tunic of dried leaves. In contrast, a bulb consists of a flattened basal plate (short stem) surrounded by concentric layers of fleshy, modified leaves or scales that store carbohydrates and water, typically protected by an outer dry covering. This solid versus layered composition is evident when sectioned: corms lack the visible rings of storage tissue seen in bulbs. The growth patterns of corms and bulbs also diverge significantly. Corms are generally monocarpic, meaning they support one growing season before depleting; the plant draws on the corm's reserves to produce foliage, flowers, and a new corm that forms atop the old one, which then withers into a basal plate. Bulbs, however, are polycarpic and more persistent, with their scale layers providing reserves for multiple seasons; internal division allows the formation of daughter bulbs without fully exhausting the parent structure. Reproduction in both occurs primarily asexually through vegetative offsets, but the mechanisms reflect their structures. Corms produce small daughter cormels clustered around the base or axils of the parent corm, which can be separated for propagation once mature. Bulbs generate offsets or bulblets that emerge from the axils of the basal plate scales within the parent bulb, enabling clonal multiplication while maintaining the layered integrity. Representative examples illustrate these traits: the corm of Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.) is a firm, rounded stem base that supports tall spikes of flowers, whereas the bulb of the onion (Allium cepa) features overlapping fleshy scales ideal for prolonged storage. Corms provide advantages in rapid seasonal renewal and colonization through prolific cormel production, while bulbs offer superior long-term nutrient retention and efficient scaling for propagation in horticulture.

Comparison to Rhizomes and Tubers

Corms differ from rhizomes primarily in their orientation and growth habit. While corms are vertically oriented, short, and swollen underground stems specialized for nutrient storage, rhizomes are horizontally elongated stems that facilitate both storage and vegetative propagation through lateral spreading along or just below the soil surface.[13][25] This vertical structure in corms supports upright emergence of foliage and flowers, whereas rhizomes promote clonal expansion over distances, often producing new shoots at nodes without annual replacement of the primary organ.[5] In comparison to tubers, corms originate as modified stems but exhibit a more uniform, solid, and compact form with a distinct basal plate—a flattened base from which roots emerge—and a protective tunic of dried leaf bases. Tubers, by contrast, can derive from either stems (as in potato, Solanum tuberosum, a stem tuber with multiple surface buds or "eyes") or roots (as in dahlia, a root tuber lacking true nodes), lacking both a basal plate and tunic, resulting in a more irregular, fleshy appearance.[13][25] Corms typically feature a single terminal bud at the apex for the next season's growth, while tubers often have multiple adventitious buds scattered across their surface.[5] All three structures—corms, rhizomes, and tubers—serve as geophytic storage organs, accumulating carbohydrates and nutrients to support dormancy and regrowth, but corms are characteristically annual and upright, depleting and replaced by new corms or cormels each cycle, unlike the often perennial and prostrate nature of rhizomes and tubers.[13][25] Evolutionarily, corms are prevalent in the Iridaceae family, where they likely arose as adaptations for seasonal dormancy in Mediterranean and arid environments, with axillary origins in subfamilies like Crocoideae enabling efficient resource allocation for reproduction.[26] In contrast, tubers in the Solanaceae, such as those in tuber-bearing Solanum species, evolved in Andean highlands as short-day-dependent mechanisms for vegetative propagation, reflecting a complex history of polyploidy and domestication targets.[27][28] A key identification feature of corms is their possession of a tunic and basal plate, structures absent in rhizomes and tubers, which aids in distinguishing them during excavation or propagation.[25][5]

Reproduction and Propagation

Formation of Cormels

Cormels, the small daughter corms that enable vegetative propagation in cormous plants, originate from axillary buds at the base of the parent corm or, in certain species, via short stolons that connect to lateral buds. These buds develop into meristematic tissues that initiate cormel growth, drawing nutrients from the parent corm's stored reserves. In species like saffron (Crocus sativus), this process begins with the formation of a wedge-shaped meristem at the shoot base, establishing vascular connections to support development.[19] The timeline of cormel formation typically aligns with or follows the plant's flowering phase, ensuring reproductive success before resource allocation shifts to propagation. After flowering, often in late autumn or winter for temperate species, the parent corm begins to shrink as carbohydrates and other nutrients are translocated to the enlarging cormels, a process that peaks during spring growth before leaf senescence. This nutrient reallocation allows cormels to mature within a single growing season, replacing the depleted parent corm.[19][18] Cormels exhibit two primary types based on their position relative to the parent: daughter corms, which form directly above the parent and are often positioned deeper in the soil by contractile roots, and offsets, which develop laterally at the sides. Both types arise clonally, resulting in genetic uniformity with the parent plant and preserving desirable traits across generations without sexual recombination. This asexual mechanism plays a crucial role in survival, promoting population persistence in fluctuating environments by facilitating rapid colonization, dormancy tolerance, and resource storage for adverse conditions.[18][19]

Cultivation and Propagation Methods

Corms are planted in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 to promote root development and minimize rot risks, often amended with compost or organic matter for optimal nutrient availability.[29] Planting depth typically ranges from 5 to 10 cm, depending on corm size and species, with larger corms like those of gladiolus placed 7.5 to 12.5 cm deep and smaller ones like crocus corms at 7.5 to 10 cm, ensuring the pointed end faces upward for emergence.[29][30] Spacing is generally 5 to 15 cm apart to allow air circulation and reduce disease pressure, with rows 30 to 90 cm apart in commercial settings; full sun exposure is essential for vigorous growth.[29][30] Harvesting occurs after foliage dies back, typically 4 to 6 weeks post-bloom or before the first hard frost in non-hardy zones, by carefully digging to avoid damage and separating the new cormels from the depleted mother corm for replanting.[29] For storage, corms are cured in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location for 2 to 3 weeks, then kept in cool (2 to 7°C), dry, ventilated conditions like mesh bags in a basement to prevent fungal growth; dusting with an all-purpose garden fungicide such as captan is recommended for high-risk stock to control rots.[29][31] Commercial propagation relies on vegetative methods, with tissue culture producing disease-free stock for species like saffron (Crocus sativus) and gladiolus, enabling rapid multiplication rates up to 5-10 fold per cycle under sterile conditions.[32] Seeds are rarely used due to variability and slow establishment, except in breeding programs.[29] Common pests include nematodes, which cause galls and stunting, and thrips that damage emerging shoots; management involves selecting certified stock, crop rotation, and nematicides like oxamyl where approved.[33][29] Fungal diseases such as Fusarium and Botrytis rots lead to soft, decayed corms; prevention emphasizes sanitation, well-drained soils, and pre-planting fungicide dips, with infected material discarded to limit spread.[34][35]

Examples and Ecological Significance

Notable Cormous Plants

Cormous plants exhibit significant diversity, primarily among monocots in the class Liliopsida, occurring in more than 10 families such as Iridaceae, Araceae, and Oxalidaceae, with notable examples spanning ornamental, culinary, and ecological roles.[36][37] Among monocots, the genus Gladiolus in the Iridaceae family comprises about 300 species native to sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Mediterranean, prized for their tall spikes of vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers that make them a staple in the cut flower industry.[38] These plants emerge from tunic-covered corms and are widely cultivated as garden ornamentals for their sword-like leaves and summer blooms.[38] Similarly, Crocus species, also in the Iridaceae family, include around 75 low-growing perennials that produce early spring or autumn flowers from underground corms protected by a fibrous tunic.[39] Native to regions from the Alps to the Middle East, they are valued for their bright, goblet-shaped blooms, with Crocus sativus specifically cultivated for saffron production from its stigmas.[39] In the Araceae family, Colocasia esculenta (taro) stands out as a major food crop, grown for its large, starchy corms that serve as a dietary staple in tropical regions.[40] This monocot originated in Southeast Asia, where it was domesticated several thousand years ago, with evidence of cultivation dating back to the early Holocene.[40][41] Other Iridaceae members include Crocosmia, a genus of about 7 species from southern African grasslands, known for their arching, gladiolus-like leaves and tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.[42] Extensive hybridization has produced numerous cultivars, enhancing their appeal as low-maintenance perennials for borders and containers.[42] Watsonia, another Iridaceae genus with over 50 species endemic to southern Africa, particularly South Africa, features cormous perennials that form clumps with strap-shaped leaves and spikes of tubular flowers.[43] These plants thrive in diverse habitats from coastal dunes to mountains, contributing to the region's floral biodiversity.[43] While corms are predominantly a monocot adaptation, rare dicot examples occur in the Oxalidaceae family, such as certain Oxalis species that produce small, whiskery corms supporting clover-like foliage and delicate flowers.[44] The genus encompasses over 500 species worldwide, with corm-bearing ones like Oxalis triangularis often grown as ornamental houseplants for their folding leaves and pink blooms.[44][45]

Ecological and Economic Importance

Corms, as underground storage organs of geophytes, play a significant role in ecosystem dynamics, particularly in fire-prone Mediterranean-climate regions where they facilitate post-fire regeneration and contribute to soil health. Geophytes with corms are prominent in the initial stages of post-fire succession, emerging quickly to stabilize disturbed soils through their root systems and improve habitat conditions for subsequent vegetation.[46] In these environments, the dormant corms remain protected belowground during fires, allowing plants to resprout and restore vegetation cover, thus aiding in overall ecosystem recovery.[47] Additionally, corms serve as a vital food source for wildlife, including rodents like pocket gophers, larger mammals such as bears and deer, and birds, providing carbohydrate-rich nourishment that supports biodiversity in native habitats.[48] Economically, corms underpin important agricultural and horticultural sectors. Taro (Colocasia esculenta), a staple food crop, relies on corms as its primary yield component, with a global average yield of approximately 7 tons per hectare (as of 2022), though optimized cultivation can exceed 10 tons per hectare in favorable conditions.[49][50] In ornamental horticulture, gladiolus corms are a cornerstone of the cut flower industry, contributing to a global floriculture market valued at over $57 billion in 2024, where gladiolus ranks among the leading commercial species for bouquets and arrangements due to its vibrant spikes and reliable propagation.[51] Certain corms exhibit medicinal potential, particularly those of Crocus sativus, the saffron crocus, where extracts from the plant's buds and underground structures demonstrate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects through bioactive compounds like carotenoids.[52] Conservation challenges for corm-bearing plants are acute in biodiversity hotspots like South Africa's Cape Floristic Region, home to over 9,000 plant species including a high proportion of geophytes, where habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urbanization threatens up to 26% of native vegetation.[53] These plants are integral to the region's exceptional endemism, with geophytes comprising a key component of the flora that supports unique ecological interactions.[54] The structure of corms enhances climate resilience in arid and seasonally variable environments by storing starches and nutrients underground, enabling plants to endure prolonged droughts or unfavorable periods and resume growth when conditions improve.[55] This adaptation is evident in species like taro, which thrive in wet-dry cycles typical of tropical and subtropical regions.[56]

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