Fibrous root system

(1) Fibrous root [ Botany ]

Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names


	A fibrous root is a fine, root or rootlet which absorbs moisture and nutrients from the soil.
Fibrous roots are the most common type of roots.

(2) Fibrous root system [ Botany ]
Synonym: Diffuse root system or Fasciculate root system

A fibrous (Also diffuse or fasciculate) root system is a kind of root system in which both primary and lateral roots are finely divided and have approximately equal diameters, without evident thickening or an enlarged central root.

Most monocots have a fibrous root system consisting of an extensive mass of similarly sized roots. In these plants, the radicle is short lived and is replaced by a mass of adventitious roots which are roots that form an organs other than roots; for example the stem. ( For example, the root of the grass )

(Compare with taproot)

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Holdfast roots [ Botany ]
Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

Some species of climbing plants develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place.

Climbing plants, like the poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), and trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place. Usually the Holdfast roots die at the end of the first season, but in some species they are perennial. In the tropics some of the large climbing plants have hold-fast roots by which they attach themselves, and long, cord-like roots that extend downward through the air and may lengthen and branch for several years until they strike the soil and become absorbent roots.

Major references and further lectures:
1) E. N. Transeau “General Botany” Discovery Publishing House, 1994