Potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber with shoots
The perennating organs of the potato (Solanum tuberosum) are underground tubers, which are swollen stems acting as food stores. Originally from the lower Andes in South America, this plant has been exploited in Europe as a food source since the 15th Century, owing to the high starch content and good keeping qualities of the tubers.
This image shows an old tuber, ready for planting. Shoots are growing from the tuber and these shoots have adventitious roots arising from the stem nodes. The shoots have grown in the dark and are etiolated (thin and elongated) and show chlorosis (lack of chlorophyll). Gardeners call the shoots ‘chits’.
The mature tuber is approximately 10 cm long.
Image by John Bebbington FRPS
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber with shoots
The perennating organs of the potato (Solanum tuberosum) are underground tubers, which are swollen stems acting as food stores. Originally from the lower Andes in South America, this plant has been exploited in Europe as a food source since the 15th Century, owing to the high starch content and good keeping qualities of the tubers.
This image shows an old tuber, ready for planting. Shoots are growing from the tuber and these shoots have adventitious roots arising from the stem nodes. The shoots have grown in the dark and are etiolated (thin and elongated) and show chlorosis (lack of chlorophyll). Gardeners call the shoots ‘chits’.
The mature tuber is approximately 10 cm long.
Image by John Bebbington FRPS