rhizocarpous

American  

[rahy-zoh-kahr-puhs] / ˌraɪ zoʊˈkɑr pəs /

Also rhizocarpic

adjective

Botany.

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

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rhizocarpous British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of rhizocarpous

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