What best defines a bulb in botanical terms?

A bulb is best defined as an underground storage organ of a plant. This structure typically consists of a short stem surrounded by fleshy leaves or leaf bases that store nutrients and energy, allowing the plant to survive adverse growing conditions, such as winter or drought. Bulbs provide a means for plants to regenerate and produce new growth in favorable conditions.

The significance of a bulb lies in its ability to facilitate plant propagation; it allows plants to thrive and reproduce effectively, particularly in environments where seasonal changes can be drastic. Plants such as tulips, onions, and lilies utilize this structure for survival and growth. The definition of a bulb encompasses its role in growth cycles and its anatomical characteristics, marking it distinctly from other plant parts such as roots or flowers.