tap root
Downward-growing feeder
A tap root is the main, central root of a plant that grows straight down, with smaller lateral roots branching off from it.
Carrots, dandelions, and oak trees have tap roots.
The term contrasts with fibrous root systems, where many roots of similar size spread outward.
Figuratively, a tap root can mean a primary source or deep foundation: The tap root of her philosophy was personal experience.
- taprootMain descending root
- carrotEdible orange taproot
- radishPeppery edible root
- parsnipPale edible taproot
- beetDark red root vegetable
anchor · deep · soil · primary · main · dandelion · tuber · underground · storage · thick · central · downward · penetrating · water table · woody · fibrous · seedling · plant anatomy
- plant anatomystem, leaves, stems, leaf, flower
- desert survivalwater conservation, water storage, water retention, heat tolerance, drought tolerance
- root vegetablescarrot, potato, beet, radish, turnip
- sproutsbean sprouts, mung bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli sprouts, radish sprouts
- tapsfaucet, spigot, stopcock, valve, touch
- Seedling Growthgermination, sprouting, cotyledon, true leaves, radicle