Lignotuber
A lignotuber is a lignified thickening at the base of trunks of lignified plants that contains "sleeping eyes", also " sleeping buds ".
Lignotubers occur in many eucalyptus species, but also in other species of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), especially in Australia , especially in the Mallee vegetation . This thickening sits at the level of the earth's surface or just below it and can also be completely underground. In addition to the "sleeping buds", it also contains nutrients.
If the above-ground parts of the plant are destroyed by a forest fire , flood or animal damage , the lignotuber is usually not damaged and the wood can preventively sprout new buds from there , so that a new crown emerges in a short time. Due to the nutrients contained in the Lignotuber, the woody plant can also grow for some time without photosynthesis .
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- Keyword lignotuber (plant anatomy) at Britannica Online Encyclopedia . last accessed on January 18, 2013
- Glossary from New South Wales Flora Online . last accessed on January 18, 2013