GS IAS Logo

< Previous | Contents | Next >

13.7.4. Root types


Taproot - Primary descending root formed by the direct prolongation of the radicle of the embryo.


Lateral Root - Roots that arise from the tap root and spread laterally to support the tree.


Adventitious Roots - Roots that are produced from the parts of the plant other than the radicle or its subdivision. The following kinds of Adventitious Roots are commonly found in trees.

Buttresses - They are out - growths formed usually vertically above the lateral roots and thus connect the base of the stem with roots. They are formed in the basal portion of the stem.

Ex: Silk cotton tree.


Prop - Roots - Adventitious Roots - produced from the branches of the tree which remain suspended in the air till they reach the ground. On reaching the ground they enter into the soil and get fixed.

Ex: Banyan Tree


Stilt - Roots - Adventitious Roots which emerged from the butt of a tree above ground level. So that the tree appears as if supported on flying buttresses.

Ex: Rhizphora species of mangroves.


Pneumatophore: It is a spike like projection of the roots of swamp / mangrove tree above the ground. It helps the submerged roots to obtain oxygen.

Ex: Heretiera spp, Bruguiera spp.

Haustorial roots are the roots of parasitic plants that can absorb water and nutrients from another plant.


Eg: mistletoe (Viscum alubum) and dodder.


Storage roots are modified roots for storage of food or water, such as carrots and beets. They include some taproots and tuberous roots.

Mycorrhiza - structure produced from the combination of the modified rootlet with fungal tissue.


Do you know?


1. A tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year and can sequester 1 ton of carbon dioxide by the time it reaches 40 years old.

2. Tree wood is a highly organized arrangement of living, dying, and dead cells.