Root Facts

Roots are the parts of plain that grow down into soil or water, anchoring it and soaking up all the water and minerals the plant needs to grow.
In some plants such as beetroots, the roots are also a food store.
When a seed begins to grow, its first root is called a primary root. This branches into secondary roots.
Roots are protected at the end by a thimble shaped root cap as they probe through the soil. How plants live
On every root there are tiny hairs that help it to take up water and minerals.
Some plants, such as carrots, have a single large root, called a taproot, with just a few fine roots branching off.
Some plants, such as grass, have lots of small roots, called fibrous roots, branching off in all directions.
Some kinds of orchid that live on trees have ‘aerial’ roots that cling to the branches.
Mistletoe has roots that penetrate its host tree.
Roots are delicious when boiled or pickled. The roots of the South African wild fig tree can grow 120 m down into the ground.

This entry is filed under Interesting Facts.