coleorhiza
grass
Quick Summary
The coleorhiza is a protective sheath that covers the radicle, or embryonic root, in some monocotyledonous plants, including grasses. This sheath allows the roots to emerge as the plant develops. In grasses (family Poaceae), the coleorhiza is a distinct structure that forms during embryogenesis, alongside other protective sheaths like the coleoptile for the young shoot. This specialized structure is part of the early development of the grass seedling, ensuring the emerging root is shielded.123
Summary created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
