Roots Ms. Edwina Farrugia

What are roots? The root is the organ of a plant that typically lies below the surface of the soil. However, roots can also be aerial or aerating that is growing up above the ground or especially above water.

Functions of the Root System The four major functions of roots are Absorption of water and inorganic nutrients and transfer it to the other parts of the plant. The roots hold the plant firmly, anchoring of the plant body to the ground, and supporting it. Storage of food and nutrients like carrots and radish, root store food for the plants. Vegetative reproduction.

Tap Roots Taproot is an enlarged, somewhat straight to tapering plant root that grows downward. It forms a center from which other roots sprout laterally. Some plants with taproots: Beets Burdock Carrot Dandelion Parsley Parsnip Poppy mallow Radish Sagebrush Turnip  

Fibrous Roots A fibrous root system is the opposite of a taproot system. It is usually formed by thin, moderately branching roots growing from the stem. A few plants with fibrous root systems: Coconut palm Banana Grass Onion

Types of roots

Known as eel grass this is a picture of its root

Known as sow thistle this is a picture of it’s root

Corn Plants have this root system