Justify the following statement on the basis of external features : "Underground parts of a plant are not always roots."

Explanation

Underground parts of a plant are sometimes modifications of the stem. Such stems grow underground and store material due to which they become quite thick and fleshy. They are specially adapted for perennation to tide over the unfavourable season. As they grow underground, they are often mistaken for roots. But, they can be readily distinguished from roots by the presence of (i) nodes and internodes, (ii) scale leaves at the nodes, and (iii) axillary and terminal buds.