geophytic and non-geophytic bulbs;
Kenneth Hixson (Mon, 20 Jun 2005 11:08:04 PDT)

Well, while we are splitting hairs about definitions of bulbs, geophytes,
and so on, how do we define the bulbils which form in the leaf axils of
some lilies such as the tiger lily? Clearly above ground, and leaf tissue.
Not a bulb. Then they fall to the ground and root on top of the ground.
Not a Geophyte. Eventually they pull themselves into the soil and become
a true bulb, and a geophyte.
Then consider Kohlrabi, the varient cabbage. Swollen stem tissue,
so a tuber? Yet above ground.
An egg, a caterpiller, a chrysalis, and the butterfly are all the
same creature, yet different life forms, described differently, with
differing needs
for food, shelter, etc--but if accurately described, the stages must be
acknowledged
and accepted as parts of the life of a single creature.
To me it appears that mankind's definitations do not accurately
portray nature, and it doesn't matter--the idea is to transfer a concept from
my mind to yours. That the definition isn't perfect doesn't negate the ability
to transfer the concept. Nature isn't bound by mankinds' rules or definitions.
Some people have trouble accepting an imperfect definition, while others
simply
want to transfer a concept. Different people, different needs.

Ken