taproot
A root system's main thick root, growing downwards with smaller side roots branching from it.
Taproot system of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
All languages
- English
- taproot
- Norwegian
- pælerot
- Japanese
- 主根 — しゅこん — shukon
- Korean
- 원뿌리 — wonppuri
- Spanish
- raíz pivotante
- French
- racine pivotante
- German
- Pfahlwurzel
Illustrations are AI-generated and translations are undergoing language review.
Reference sources
- University of Minnesota Open Textbook — a taproot is a persistent strong primary root growing downward with lateral roots branching from it
- UC Davis Plant Biology — a taproot system has one central root larger in diameter than its lateral roots
- Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener Handbook — a taproot forms when the primary root remains the central downward feature with limited secondary branching