What does the term "bulbs" refer to in vegetable classification?

The term "bulbs" in vegetable classification specifically refers to a part of the plant that is an underground storage organ. This organ consists of layered fleshy scales that can contain nutrients, which help the plant survive adverse conditions and regrow in the next growing season. Bulbs, such as onions and garlic, serve not only as a means of propagation but also as a source of food for the plant.

Understanding that bulbs represent a distinct structural part of a plant is key in agricultural and culinary contexts, as it influences how these vegetables are grown, harvested, and utilized in cooking. The classification of bulbs helps differentiate them from other plant parts like fruits (which develop from the flowering parts of a plant), roots (which typically anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients from the soil), and seeds (which are the reproductive units of flowering plants).