0601.10.90.40 - Gladiolus corms

This HTS category, 0601.10.90.40, specifically classifies gladiolus corms. Corms are short, vertical, swollen underground plant stems that serve as storage organs. Gladiolus, known for their tall spikes of colorful flowers, are commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes and as cut flowers. These items are classified here when they are dormant, meaning they are not actively growing or flowering, prior to planting or further processing.

This classification is distinguished from its siblings by the specific genus and type of plant storage organ. For instance, 0601.10.90.20 covers iris bulbs, which are typically layered structures with fleshy leaves, while 0601.10.90.60 pertains to begonia tubers, which are swollen underground stems or roots. Category 0601.10.90.80 serves as a residual "other" category for dormant bulbs, tubers, tuberous roots, corms, crowns, and rhizomes not otherwise specified within this heading.

As a leaf node, this category has no further subcategories. Therefore, the focus remains on accurately identifying and classifying dormant gladiolus corms. Classification within this sub-heading relies on the botanical identification of the item as a gladiolus corm and confirmation that it is in a dormant state, not actively growing or blooming, which would place it in a different sub-heading.