The root system of the plant form the roots of different nature. Distinguish the main root that develops from embryonic root, lateral and adventitious. Are lateral offshoot from the main and can form on any area, the adventitious roots often grow from the lower part of the stem of the plant, but may be formed even on the leaves.

Tap roots



For tap root systems are characterized by well-developed main root. It has the shape of a rod, and it is because of such similarities this type got its name. The lateral roots of these plants are very poorly expressed. The root has the ability to unlimited growth, and the main root of plants with tap root system reaches impressive size. It is necessary to optimize the extraction of water and nutrients from soils where ground water lies at a considerable depth. Tap root system possess many types of dicotyledonous trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants: birch, oak, dandelion, sunflower, pumpkin.


A fibrous root system



In plants with a fibrous root system the primary root is not well developed. Instead, they are characterized by numerous branching adventitious or lateral roots are approximately the same length. Often the plants initially grow the main root, from which depart the side, but in the process of further development of the plant it dies. A fibrous root system characteristic of plants that reproduce vegetatively. It usually occurs in monocots – the coconut palm, orchids, paporotnikov, cereals.

Combined root system



Often there are also mixed or combined root system. Plants belonging to this type have a well-differentiated main root and numerous lateral and adventitious roots. Such a structure of the root system can be observed, for example, strawberries and strawberry.

Modifications of roots



The roots of some plants are modified so that they are difficult at first glance to be attributed to any type. Such modifications include the root – nodules of the main root and the lower part of the stem, which can be seen from turnips and carrots, and korneklubni – thickening of lateral and adventitious roots that can be observed in sweet potato. Some roots can not serve for the suction of water with dissolved salts, and respiration (breathing roots) or additional support (stilt roots).