Taproot
As a taproot root is in plants called that develops from the radicle ( radicle ) to the main root and grow vertically into the ground. From the taproot arise obliquely or horizontally outgoing side roots of the first order, so it is part of a heterogeneous root system ( Allorhizie ).
The taproot is strongly developed. It exceeds the lateral roots to length and diameter. It is characteristic of many gymnosperms and dicotyledons. The taproot may be slightly thickened, or as a storage organ considerably thickened his ( turnip as Bryonia alba). Sprossbürtige roots missing here. Trees that retain the taproot system in the adult stage, are about fir, pine and oak. Plants with taproot are common on dry and deep soil, colonize crevices.
Springing the taproot highly branched shoot bases, so this habit is called Pleiokorm - taproot. An example is Centaurea scabiosa.
The opposite of taprooted are the shallow roots.