The Formation of Foliar Roots
Typically, the root of a plant is a vascular organ that absorbs water and minerals. It also anchors the plant in the soil, providing a storage area. A plant can have many different types of roots. Some roots are aerial, and others are buried in the soil. These root types differ from each other in their function. Aerial roots are generally found in the top 30 cm of the soil. They absorb water and minerals, anchor the plant, and transport reserve foods. They are usually only found in certain species. The root also acts as an anchor for the plant, which helps the plant survive if it gets blown over. The root can extend as deep as one to two meters. The root also absorbs minerals and dissolved substances from the soil and delivers them to the stem. The root can also serve as food storage for some plants. The root has three main sections, which are the cortex, epidermis, and stele. Each section is composed of parenchymatous cells. These cells are separated from each other by a ring of co...