Stem modification includes stolon, offset, and rhizome. How are these modified forms of stem distinguished?

Solution:

1. Stolon is underground stems that spread to new niches. When old plants die, new ones are formed. It is a creeper.

2. Offset is genetically identical to the mother plant that has been asexually and naturally produced. It is a lateral branch with short internodes and each node bearing a rosette of leaves and tuft of roots are found in aquatic plants.

3. The rhizome is an underground stem growing parallel to the soil surface. It is differentiated from roots in having scale leaves and auxiliary buds. It helps in vegetative propagation.