taproot

taproot

Main root of a primary-root system. It grows vertically downward. From the taproot arise smaller lateral roots (secondary roots), which in turn produce even smaller lateral roots (tertiary roots). Most dicotyledonous plants (see cotyledon), such as dandelions, produce taproots. The system may be modified into a fibrous, or diffuse, system, in which the initial secondary roots soon equal or exceed the primary root in size and there is no well-defined single taproot. Fibrous root systems are generally shallower than taproot systems. Carrots and beets are tuberous roots modified from taproots.

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taproot

the large single root of plants such as the dandelion, which grows vertically downwards and bears smaller lateral roots

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taproot [′tap‚rüt]

(botany)

A root system in which the primary root forms a dominant central axis that penetrates vertically and rather deeply into the soil; it is generally larger in diameter than its branches.