What is Taproot?

Taproot is the main, central large root that gives rise to lateral roots. Root, in botany, means the part of the vascular plants that grows vertically downwards in the ground and helps in the anchoring and absorption processes.

There are three major types of roots found in plants, namely taproot, fibrous root and adventitious roots. Taproot is the primary root that is developed in all vascular plants upon germination. It persists in some plants while some plants get modified into adventitious or fibrous root systems. This article focuses on the characteristics, functions and examples of taproot.

Characteristics of Taproot

• It is the primary root that arises from the radicle of the seeds.
• The taproot gives rise to secondary lateral roots which further form tertiary lateral roots.
• It is straight and thick in shape and usually tapers at the bottom.
• The taproots grow well in a deep and mineral enriched soil.

Function

The formation of lateral roots increases the surface area of the roots and hence more water and nutrients are absorbed. The root also helps the plant in anchoring through the soil.

Shapes of Taproot

A taproot is generally thick, straight and tapers at the end but there are three basic shapes in which a taproot can exist. Let us look at them.

1. Fusiform Root: In this type of taproot, the root (tuber) is widest at the centre and tapers at both the ends. Example: Radish
2. Napiform Root: In this system, the tuber looks like a top. It is widest at the top and suddenly tapers towards the end. Example: Turnip
3. Conical Root: As the name suggests, this type root appears conical in shape. It is broad at the top and slowly tapers towards the end. Example: Carrot

Examples of Taproot Plants

It is majorly found in gymnosperms and dicotyledonous angiosperms. In carrots, the taproot is the main storage organ and is consumed as a vegetable by humans and animals. Other examples of taproot vegetables include beetroot, sugarbeet, radish and turnip.

Asafoetida, an Indian condiment is extracted from the latex of taproots of Ferula species.

Other examples of taproot include: dandelion, parsley, parsnip, oak, pines and firs.

Taproot and Fibrous Root

The difference between taproot and fibrous root is notable. While the taproot is one large thick root, the fibrous root is made up of several thread-like strands. There are lateral roots found in taproot that are absent in fibrous roots. And last but not the least, the most visible difference between taproot and fibrous root is that taproot is found in dicots whereas fibrous root is seen in monocots.

Read a tabulated version of the difference between taproot and fibrous root.

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