Thick underground stem growing parallel to soil surface is

Options

A. Stolon
B. Rhizome
C. Sucker
D. Offset

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for a type of thick underground stem that grows parallel to the soil surface.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Stolon**: This is a stem that grows horizontally above the ground and can give rise to new plants at the nodes.
- **Rhizome**: This is a thick underground stem that grows horizontally and can produce roots and shoots from its nodes.
- **Sucker**: This refers to a shoot that arises from the base of a plant or from the roots, typically growing vertically.
- **Offset**: This is a small lateral shoot that grows from the base of a plant, usually above the ground.

3. **Identifying the Correct Answer**:
- The definition of a rhizome fits the description given in the question. It is a thick underground stem that grows parallel to the soil surface and can produce new shoots and roots.
- Therefore, the correct answer is **Rhizome**.

4. **Providing an Example**: An example of a plant that has rhizomes is ginger, which grows underground and has thick stems that spread horizontally.

5. **Final Answer**: The thick underground stem growing parallel to the soil surface is called a **Rhizome**.

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