LEJARDE, ELLA MAE P.

BS Pharmacy 1-C

SPECIALIZED
ROOT

Pharm Bio Sci 1 Lec

3:00-4:00pm

DESCRIPTION

FUNCTION

EXAMPLE

1. Aerial root

These are
adventitious roots
formed above the
ground surface of the
earth or water.

They function as prop

roots or anchor roots.

prop roots in corn

2. Buttress root

Buttress roots are

form of prop root that
develop board like
growth on the upper
side of the tree and
assist with support of
the trunk against
lateral forces. Huge
roots near base of
trunks. Usually in
trees that grow in

It serves as effective
tension members to
prevent uprooting.

Ceiba pentandra

shallow soil.

3. Contractile roots

They have wrinkled

surface. Occurs from
year to year.

Help to pull the plant

deeper into the soil.

Lily

4. Fibrous roots

Specialized root
system in which both
primary and lateral
roots are divided with
equal diameters.

They hold the plant

firmly in soil. It helps
the plants to stand up
firmly even when
strong wind blows.

Coconut palm

5. Haustorial roots

Plants with haustorial It penetrates into the

roots have a tendency host tissues for
to suck the life out of
nutrient absorption.
plants around them.

Cuscuta

6. Pneumatophores

Contains spongy
aerenchyma tissues
of plants living in
swampy solls.

Helps roots exchange

gasses.

Mangrove

7. Still roots

They grow down from

lateral branches,
branching in the soil
surface.

These are
adventitious support
roots common among
mangroves.

Mangrove

8. Storage roots

Some are enlarged to

store starch and
carbohydrates

These roots are

Carrot
modified for storage of
food or water.

9. Tuberous roots

Type of storage root

distinct from taproot.
These type of roots
are thick, soft and
round in shape. They
contain more storage
tissues than most
roots.

A portion of a root
swells for food or
water storage.

Sweet potato

10. Taproot

Primary root that

grows downward into
the ground.

It creates a central
Dandelions
root from which others
develop.

11. Propagative roots

Roots that form

adventitious buds,
that developed into
aboveground shoots,
termed as suckers.

Roots which form new Canada thistle

plants.