What do we call a deep, central root of a plant?

The term used to describe a deep, central root of a plant is a taproot. This type of root system is characterized by a single, thicker primary root that grows downward, allowing the plant to access deeper water sources and stabilize itself in the soil. Taproots can often be found in plants that have evolved in arid environments, as they afford the plant the ability to survive during periods of drought by reaching deeper aquifers.

Fibrous roots, in contrast, consist of many thin roots that spread out from the base of the plant and do not penetrate deeply into the soil. Adventitious roots are those that grow from unusual places on the plant, often from the stem or leaves, instead of from the primary root system. Lateral roots arise from the primary root and extend horizontally, but they do not have the same structural characteristics as a taproot. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing different root systems and their respective functions in plant health and development.