Tree roots

tree roots

The root is a very important part of the plant: thanks to it, it can stay well attached to the ground, feed itself and, therefore, also grow. It is an organ that is normally underground, that is, it is below ground level; however, there are those that are aerial and aquatic.

Knowing the parts of the root of a plant is very interestingas it will help you to know more about the magnificent plant kingdom.

What is the root?

Tree roots

tree roots

The root is an organ that grows in the opposite direction to the stemwhich is what is known as positive geotropoism.

Type

According to its structure:

  • Axonomorphs: are those that are formed by a thick main root and others that come out of the thinner main one.
  • Fascinated: are those that do not have a main root.
  • napiformes: they are those that have a main root that accumulates reserve substances, so that it thickens much more than the rest.
  • Tuberous: they are roots that resemble the fasciculated ones, but in all of them they accumulate reserve substances for which they undergo a thickening.
  • Branched: do not have a main root. They look a lot like the branches of a tree.

According to its location:

  • Adventitious: are those that develop some plants to be able to spread or climb.
  • Aquatic: they are those that live in the water.
  • Sucking: they are those that get inside another plant to absorb the sap.

What are its parts?

Roots of the Verschaffeltia palm tree

Verschaffeltia palm roots

Although not all roots have all these parts, in general we will find:

  • Neck: is the part that is located right at ground level.
  • Branching area: is the part where secondary roots begin to form.
  • Hairy area or absorbent hairs: it is covered with hairs that are responsible for absorbing water and mineral salts from the soil.
  • Zone of growth or cell division: is the area where root growth takes place.
  • Coping: it is a cap that protects the tip of the root so that it is not damaged as it is introduced into the soil.

Did you know the parts of the roots of plants?