Organ of Resistance

Documentation of the “organ of resistance” components.

Introduction

The Organ of Resistance cluster provides a series of components that diagrammatically draw the different phases of organs of resistance in corresponding plants.

In plant biology, organs of resistance (also known as perennating organs or storage organs) are specialized plant structures that allow plants to survive unfavorable conditions such as drought, cold, or seasonal dormancy. These organs store nutrients and energy reserves, enabling plants to regenerate when conditions become favorable again.

The components in this cluster simulate the growth and dormancy cycles of various organ types. Each organ alternates between active and inactive states based on the phase parameter:

• Odd phases (1, 3, 5…) = Active state (growing season)
• Even phases (2, 4, 6…) = Inactive state (dormancy)

Common Output Parameters

All organ components share the following output parameters:

Component Usage

Please refer to the following sections for each component from this cluster.

Horizontal Growth Organs

These organs spread horizontally at or near the soil surface, allowing plants to colonize new areas vegetatively.

Tuft

This component generates a tuft organ diagram, representing clustered growth from a central point. Tufts are characteristic of many grasses and sedges that form dense clumps.

Rhizome

This component generates a rhizome organ diagram. Rhizomes are horizontal underground stems that grow laterally, sending out roots and shoots from nodes. Common examples include ginger, iris, and many ferns.

Ground Runner

This component generates a ground runner (stolon) organ diagram. Ground runners are horizontal stems that grow along the soil surface, either above or below ground. Strawberry plants are a classic example of above-ground runners.

Creeping Shoot

This component generates a creeping shoot organ diagram. Creeping shoots are similar to ground runners but typically grow along the surface with curved tips that arc upward at their ends, representing new growth points.

Cushion

This component generates a cushion organ diagram. Cushion plants form dense, low-growing mounds that are well-adapted to harsh environments like alpine or arctic regions. The compact form helps retain heat and moisture.

Underground Storage Organs

These organs store nutrients underground, allowing plants to survive extended periods of dormancy and regenerate from below the soil surface.

Tap Root

This component generates a tap root organ diagram. Tap roots are large, central roots that grow directly downward, storing significant amounts of nutrients. Carrots, parsnips, and dandelions are common examples.

Multi Root

This component generates a multi root (fasciculated root) organ diagram. Multi roots consist of several thick, fleshy roots radiating from a central point, similar to dahlia tubers or sweet potatoes.

Bulb

This component generates a bulb organ diagram. Bulbs are underground storage organs consisting of a short stem surrounded by fleshy scale leaves. Onions, tulips, and lilies are classic examples.

Stem Tuber

This component generates a stem tuber organ diagram. Stem tubers are thickened underground stems that store nutrients. Potatoes are the most well-known example, with “eyes” being the nodes from which new shoots emerge.

Special Organs

These organs represent specialized adaptations for particular environmental conditions or plant families.

Hidden Reserved

This component generates a hidden reserved organ diagram. These are small, compact underground storage structures that remain dormant and protected below the soil surface, emerging only during favorable conditions.

Succulent Plant

This component generates a succulent plant organ diagram. Succulents store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. This component represents the characteristic basal rosette form with thick, water-storing leaves.