Parts of Ginger Root

Rhizome

• What is commonly called the ginger root is technically the rhizome or buried stem of the plant. The rhizome is a nutrient-rich portion of the stem that extends above the soil. The rhizomes are the thick, beige root with short, knotted branches sold in stores. This is the edible portion of the plant and contains most of the plant's nutrients. Here is also where the plant stores sugars and energy when colder weather arrives, killing off the portion of the plant above the soil.

Roots

• The roots of the ginger plant are small, thin, spindly lines that grow off the tuberous rhizome. The roots draw water and nutrients from the soil into the plant's rhizome. When the plant is sold in stores, the roots are cut off along with the thick, bark-like skin of the rhizome to make the plant more appealing to customers.

Stem and Leaves

• The above-ground portion of the plant is a reed-like, narrow green stalk or stem that extends about 1 foot to 2 feet into the air. Here the long, ribbed leaves are exposed to the sun where they absorb energy that helps the plant convert nutrients to biomass. The leaves are referred to as lanceolate leaves and last only one season. When the growing season is over, the plant abandons its stalk and leaves, concentrating energy on the perennial rhizome until warmer weather returns.

Flowers

• The flowering portion of the plant rest on the top of the stalk. The flowering bulb appears much like a young, green pine cone with scalloped layers. From each of these layers, rise one or two yellow blooms. These blooms last a few days and serve to emit pollen, which spreads genetic material from plant to plant with the help of insects and natural weather forces. The variety of ginger known as Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains pin-tipped blooms and is prized for its decorative look.