Rhizome

A rhizome is a type of underground stem that plants use to store nutrients and grow new shoots and roots. Unlike typical roots, rhizomes spread horizontally beneath the soil, allowing plants to multiply and connect different parts. This structure helps plants survive harsh conditions and recover quickly from damage. In a broader, metaphorical sense, the term "rhizome" is also used in philosophy and social sciences to describe non-hierarchical, interconnected systems that grow and evolve in multiple directions simultaneously, emphasizing decentralization and shared growth.