We have learnt what the various parts of a plant are. In this chapter, we learn more about roots and flowers of plants.
Root and Shoot system
Let's look at the picture of a plant given below. The plant that we can see above the ground is called as the shoot system. The parts of the plant underneath the ground is called the root system.
THE ROOT SYSTEM
We find roots of a plant under the ground and they grow downwards into the soil. We can say that the roots grow towards the force of gravity
Types of roots
There are two types of roots of plants
- Taproot
- Fibrous roots
Taproot: In this type of root we can see one main root called the taproot growing downwards. From this many thin roots grow. The thin roots that come out of the taproot are called lateral roots. The Taproot is big and stout compared to the lateral roots. It bulges at the top and thins out as it grows downwards.
Plants of carrot, beetroot, tea, peepul, bean, etc., called have tap roots.
Fibrous roots: Fibrous roots are also adventitious roots. This type of root does not have any main root. Dense and equal sized roots develop from the base of the stem. The roots spread out as they grow downward in the soil. The roots also branch out repeatedly as they grow, making a fine mass of thin roots.
Examples: grass, rice, palm, maple, etc., have fibrous roots.
Both the taproot roots and fibrous roots can go deep into the ground. The plants that grow in dry areas have roots which go deep into the ground. The plants that grow in the water-abundant areas have shallow roots