contractile root
plant anatomy
Quick Summary
A contractile root is a type of adventitious root that pulls a plant's bulb deeper into the soil as it grows. Adventitious roots are those that arise from any plant part other than the embryonic root (radicle). They commonly develop from stem tissues, but can also emerge from leaves. These roots are particularly abundant on underground stems like rhizomes, corms, and tubers. Contractile roots are found in many bulbous plants and play a role in vegetative reproduction and anchorage.12
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