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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