rhizocarpous

[ rahy-zoh-kahr-puhs ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. having the root perennial but the stem annual, as perennial herbs.

rhizocarpous

/ ˌraɪzəʊˈkɑːpəs /

adjective

1. (of plants) producing subterranean flowers and fruit
2. (of perennial plants) having roots that persist throughout the year but stems and leaves that wither at the end of the growing season

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhizocarpous¹

First recorded in 1825–35; rhizo- + -carpous