Root System

The root system is an organ system in vascular plants that consists of all of the roots which are present in the plant. Two root systems have been observed: fibrous root systems and taproot systems.

Both fibrous root systems and taproot systems are present across all clade of vascular plants, with specific exceptions. Gymnosperms will almost always possess taproot systems in order to maintain anchorage and support for the plant. Angiosperms may have either fibrous root or taproot systems, but can be classified as either monocots or eudicots based on which they possess; monocots possess fibrous root systems, and eudicots possess taproot systems.