taproot (left) with the rest of the plant (right)
Dicots, one of the two divisions of
flowering plants (angiosperms), start with a taproot, which is one main root forming from the enlarging
radicle of the seed. The tap root can be persistent throughout the life of the plant but is most often replaced later in the plant's development by a fibrous root system. A persistent taproot system forms when the radicle keeps growing and smaller lateral roots form along the taproot. The shape of taproots can vary but the typical shapes include: • Conical root: this type of root tuber is conical in shape, i.e. widest at the top and tapering steadily towards the bottom: e.g.
carrot. • Fusiform root: this root is widest in the middle and tapers towards the top and the bottom: e.g.
radish. • Napiform root: the root has a
top-like appearance. It is very broad at the top and tapers suddenly like a tail at the bottom: e.g.
turnip. Many taproots are modified into
storage organs. Some plants with taproots: •
Beetroot •
Burdock •
Carrot •
Sugar beet •
Dandelion •
Parsley •
Parsnip •
Poppy mallow •
Radish •
Sagebrush •
Turnip •
Common milkweed • trees such as
oaks,
elms,
pines and
firs == Development ==