Definition

Noun: A bulbous plant is a plant that grows from a bulb. A bulb is a specialized underground storage organ, typically roundish, composed of layered fleshy leaves or scales that store nutrients, allowing the plant to survive dormant periods.

Usage

The term "bulbous plant" is used to categorize plants based on their specific type of root structure (a bulb). It is a botanical classification term. - Tulips, daffodils, and onions are all examples of bulbous plants. - For a successful spring garden, you should plant your bulbous plants in the autumn.

Advanced Usage

• In Botany: The term is used to distinguish plants with true bulbs (like tulips) from those with other storage organs like corms (crocus), tubers (potatoes), or rhizomes (iris), though it is sometimes used more loosely in general gardening.
• In Horticulture: Refers to plants prized for their flowers or other features that are propagated by dividing their bulbs.

Variants and Related Words

• Bulb (n): The storage organ itself.
  • She planted the bulb about six inches deep.
• Bulbous (adj): Shaped like a bulb; swollen and round.
  • The bulbous base of the stem was clearly visible.

Synonyms

• Geophyte: A more technical botanical term for any plant with an underground storage organ, including bulbs, corms, tubers, and rhizomes.

Related Phrases

• Spring-flowering bulb: A common phrase for bulbous plants that bloom in spring (e.g., tulip, hyacinth).
• Lift bulbs: A gardening phrase meaning to dig up bulbs for storage or division.
  • After the foliage dies back, you can lift the bulbs and store them for the winter.

Noun

1. plant growing from a bulb