Root Lecture

Root Functions

Water Uptake for evaporative cooling, etc.
Mineral Uptake from soil
Conduction of water and minerals to rest of plant
Anchorage of plant - growth of roots through soil
Tap root- resists blowdown of tall trees in wind
poor uprooting resistance

Tea Tap Root
Fibrous roots - plants blow down easily (does it matter?)
fabulous uprooting resistance (grazing pressure)
Many plants have a compromise!
Or some other specializations:

Ficus Butress Root

Pandanus Prop Root

Pneumatophores of Black Mangrove

Storage of nutrients
- especially starch, sugars, minerals, others
particularly in winter, then moved up in sap flow--Maple Syrup!

Autumn Scene