Fibrous Root: Definitions, Examples, Characteristics, Functions, Types, Modifications, and Differentiation

Fibrous Root Overview

The opposite of a taproot system is a fibrous root system. It is widespread in monocotyledonous plants and ferns and is created by thin, fairly branched roots developing from the stem. When the tree has reached full maturity, it resembles a root mat. Most trees start off with a taproot, but after a few years, they develop a fibrous root system with mostly horizontal surface roots and only a few vertical, deep anchoring roots. A typical mature tree 30-50 m tall has a root system that spreads horizontally in all directions as far as the tree's height or more, yet 95% of the roots are in the top 50 cm of soil.

What is a Fibrous Root?

Fibrous roots grow close to the ground's surface and are seen in leaves with parallel venation. As a non-row crop, forages have a fibrous root structure that aids in erosion control by attaching the plants to the top layer of soil and covering the whole field. The roots of a fibrous root system develop downward into the earth and branch off sideways throughout the soil. Because the embryonic root dies back while the plant is still young and developing, this results in a mass of fine roots with no identifiable tap roots.

Examples of Fibrous Root

A few examples of plants having fibrous root systems are as follows-

1. Above the earth are the aerial roots of the nodal roots.
2. Both of these root systems are fibrous, with several roots that begin in the same spot and do not branch out.
3. Maize contains an embryonic root system with primary, radicle, and seminal roots, as well as a post-embryonic root system with shoot-borne roots known as nodal roots.
4. Maize is one of the most significant plants due to its fibrous root structure, parallel venation in leaves, and monocotyledonous seeds.
5. These branches are essential for anchoring the plant.
6. The embryonic root system develops from the embryo's radicle, whereas the post-embryonic root system develops from the stem's final few nodes.

Characteristics of Fibrous Root

The following are some of the characteristics features of fibrous roots-

1. Fibrous roots are seen in leaves with parallel venation.
2. Fibrous roots do really develop near the ground's surface. 
3. Fibrous roots serve to prevent soil erosion since they are attached to the top layer of soil.
4. The slender roots are about the same size.

Functions Fibrous Root

The following are some of the functions of fibrous roots-

1. Absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
2. Fibrous roots sprout from the base of the stem or the nodes of a horizontal stem instead of the seed's radicle. 
3. Food that has been set aside is kept in storage.
4. Give the plant a place to stand while preventing soil erosion.
5. Plant growth regulators are produced.
6. Plant roots have evolved to provide a number of functions, including support, food storage, and reproduction.
7. The three forms of root systems include taproot, fibrous root, and adventitious root systems.
8. Fibrous Root Storage Alteration: Tuberous Root of the Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas). Dahlia, Annulated Roots Ipecac Stilt Mechanical support is provided by maize (Zea mays) and sugarcane (Sachchurum official rum) roots.
9. Asparagus and Fasciculated root are all examples of edible plants.

Types of Fibrous Root

Fibrous roots are classified into three types, which are as follows-

Annulated Roots

These roots are characterized by ring-like swellings. The swelling of the root looks like a series of disc-like rings stacked one on top of the other. 

Ipecac is an excellent example.

Fasciculated Roots

It is a kind of inflated, irregularly shaped root. They may also be used to keep food in. 

Dahlia, for example, or Asparagus-Asparagus officinalis.

Tuberous Roots

These roots develop singly and are swollen and irregular in form. They are just larger lateral roots that store food.

Example: Sweet potatoes include Ipomoea batatas.

Read more about the Father of Botany.

Modifications of Fibrous Root

Roots are adapted to accomplish various plant activities such as support, food storage, and respiration. A few of the fibrous root system's alterations are mentioned below-

1. Fleshy fibrous roots for storage: Fleshy fibrous roots are adaptations to the fibrous root structure used for food storage. They contain nourishment made by the plant, which causes them to become fleshy and bloated. 
2. Reproductive Roots for Vegetative Propagation: These roots form buds and participate in vegetative propagation. These buds eventually evolved into a distinct new plant under favorable conditions. Examples: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), Dahlia.
3. Stilt Roots for Mechanical Support: Stilt roots are modified roots that are used to provide mechanical support. It grows from the lower nodes of the stem in monocots. It grows downward obliquely into the earth. They grow fibrous roots after piercing the earth. They offer support to the plant's primary axis. For Example: Maize-Zea mays, sugarcane-Sachchurum official rum, and so on.

Read more about the Monocot Roots and Gemmules.

Difference Between Fibrous Root and Tap Root 

The distinction between taproot and fibrous root is easily characterized by their structure-

Read more about the Difference Between Monocot and Dicot Roots.

Points to Remember

1. Coconut palms, wheat, rice, and grasses are examples of fibrous root systems.
2. Fibrous roots are thin, branching roots that grow from the base of the stem.
3. Fibrous roots help prevent soil erosion because they are attached to the top layer of soil.
4. Fibrous roots, unlike taproots, exhibit little or no secondary development.
5. The fibrous roots are horizontal and widely dispersed, with just a few deep, vertically downward roots.
6. The majority of trees produce taproots at germination, but as they mature, the taproots are gradually replaced by fibrous roots.
7. The presence of fibrous roots distinguishes grasses from monocotyledons.
8. The roots are pretty branching, but once completely mature, the tree takes on a mat-like look.
9. The slender roots are all the same size.