Pharmacognosy - medicinal plants (herbs)
Pharmacognosy - medicinal plants (herbs)

Topic III: Macromorphological characteristics of vegetative organs


What is the root?

The root is the organ of higher plants, usually underground, that plays several roles including absorb and conduct water and dissolved minerals, accumulate nutrients and anchor the plant to the ground.


Root and stems differ in structure, by the way in which they shape and the lack of appendages, such as buds and leaves.

Types of roots

The root can be:

Primary: It forms from the first germinating, known by radicle.

Secondary: ramifications subsequent to the primary

Taproot: This type of root is the largest of the group and the more deeply penetrating.

Adventitious: they sprout directly from the stem very stem near to the base.

Aereal: they sprout directly from the stem in highest parts.

Parts of the root:

The root consists of three types of tissue:

Epidermis, or surface layer;

Fundamental or cortex tissue, and

Stele or vascular cylinder, located in the center of the root.


The roots tend to grow down, unless the water abound more in the soil surface.

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  • #1

    Amy@essentialoilspower (Saturday, 05 December 2015 15:06)


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