Corms, rhizomes, and tubers are examples of underground stems. Underground stems are stems that grow below the ground and serve to anchor the plant, store food and water, and propagate new plants. Corms are thickened, vertically oriented, underground stems, such as those found in crocuses and gladioli. Rhizomes are horizontal stems that grow underground, such as those found in ginger and bamboo. Tubers are enlarged structures on the ends of underground stems that store nutrients, such as those found in potatoes.