rootstalk

1 9.1

A stem that grows sideways underground and makes shoots above and roots below to grow new plants

noun
/ˈruːtˌstɔk/

Specialized

: rizoma

Farmers often rely on the rootstalk to reproduce plants, as it can generate new growth each season.

Examples

The rootstalk of the plant allowed it to grow new shoots and spread quickly across the garden.
The rootstalks of those reeds are not bad either.

Fiction book (1990)
I seem to recall some attempts in the '70s cultivation literature to graft hops onto the rootstalk of its relative in the belief that this would somehow produce a stealth version of the target item, which seems fanciful even for that crowd.

Blog text (8)
When planting, make sure to bury the rootstalk deep enough for it to take root in the soil.

Synonyms

rhizome

vsrootstalk

Specialized

2 8.3

A stem that grows sideways underground and sends up shoots and puts down roots

has identical meaning but is a different name for the structure

rootstock

vsrootstalk

Specialized

7.9

An underground plant stem that grows roots below and shoots above

means the same but uses an alternate name for the structure

How Spreading

stolon

Specialized

9.2

rhizome

Specialized

2 8.3

rootstalk

Specialized

1 9.1

taproot

Specialized

1 6.7

Surface Forms

rootstalk singular

rootstalks plural

Morphology

rootstalk = root + stalk (transparent) = root + stalk

The word is a clear compound 'root' + 'stalk' whose meaning is directly constructed from the two parts, though it denotes a specific botanical structure.

Etymology

Rootstalk is made from the everyday words root ('the part of a plant under the soil') and stalk ('a stem'). So, a rootstalk is a stem that grows under the ground and sends up new shoots and roots, which is why plants like ginger spread and can be divided to make new plants.