2 FIELD AND WOODLAND PLANTS 



The Root 



The root is that portion of the plant which descends into the soil 

 for the absorption of the mineral food requked. It really serves a 

 double purpose, for, in addition to the function just mentioned, it 

 fixes the plant in its place, thus forming a basis of support for the 

 stem and its appendages. 



Roots are capable of absorbing liquids only, and all fertile soils 

 contain more or less soluble mineral matter which is dissolved by 

 the moisture present. This matter is absorbed mainly by the 



2 3 4 



FORMS OF EOOTS 

 1. Simple fibrous. 2. Branched fibrous. 3. Tap root. i. Tuberous root. 



minute root-hairs — outgrowths of the superficial cells — which are to 

 be found on the rootlets or small branches that are given off from 

 the main descending axis. 



The principal forms of roots occurring in om- flo\\ ering plants 

 are : — 



1. The simple fibrous rout, consisting of unbranched fibres such as 

 we see in the Bulbous Buttercup and the Common Daisy. 



2. The branchexl fibrous root, as that of the Chickweed and 

 CJrasses. 



3. The tap root, which is thick above and tapers downwards, like 

 the roots of the Dandelion, Carrot and Wild Parsnip. 



4. The tuberous root, common among the Orchids. 



5. The creeping root, possessed by some Grasses in addition to 

 their fibrous roots. 



