What is the Difference Between Rhizome and Stolon?

The main difference between a rhizome and a stolon is their growth and location:

• Rhizome: Rhizomes are underground stem modifications that take part in vegetative propagation. They are thick, fleshy structures that grow below the ground and can give rise to new plantlets, which are clones of the parent plant. Examples of plants with rhizomes include strawberries and mint.
• Stolon: Stolons are slender stems that take part in vegetative propagation. They grow either along the ground surface or just below the ground. Stolons have nodes and internodes, and from these nodes, upright shoots grow, giving rise to new plants. Examples of plants with stolons include Hydrilla, Riccia, and orchids.

Both rhizomes and stolons have the following advantages:

1. They give rise to new plantlets that are clones of the parent plant.
2. They have storage capacity, allowing them to help plants survive under harsh environmental conditions.

In summary, rhizomes are underground stems that can give rise to both shoots and roots, while stolons are above-ground or just below-ground stems that give rise to new plants from their nodes.

Comparative Table: Rhizome vs Stolon

Here is a table comparing the differences between rhizomes and stolons:

Both rhizomes and stolons are involved in vegetative reproduction and can store food for the plant. However, rhizomes grow below the ground and have a thick, fleshy structure, while stolons grow along the ground surface or just below the ground and have a thin, slender structure.