Rhizomes produce tubers and basal bulbs that bear aerial shoots. Tubers store starch and have several buds that produce rhizomes, which develop more basal bulbs and new plants. Roots often grow to greater soil depths than tubers or rhizomes. Rhizomes slender, fleshy when young, covered with scales. Rhizomes terminate with a tuber , break easily.
Tubers taste mildly almond-like .
Rhizomes develop chains of up to 15 tubers at intervals of 5-25 cm along their length . Rhizomes can penetrate root vegetables and become wiry and fibrous over time. Tubers taste bitter . Roots can grow to 1.3 m deep in heavy clay. Longest leaf-like bract much longer than infloresence.