What is the pivot root?

The taproot holds the tree down

Plant roots are incredible structures: growing in the sense of gravity, they absorb nutrients found in the soil, allowing branches, leaves, flowers and fruits to grow and develop properly. Yes, without a doubt we could say that without them, there would be no forests, no grasslands ... and almost no other green areas on the planet. But, of all of them, the taproot is the main one.

Not all species of plant beings have it, and in some it is a bit difficult to identify it; in fact, it will only be easy for us to see it in the trees. Would you like to know what its characteristics are? Well, let's go! 🙂

What is the pivot root?

The taproot is thick and long

Image - Wikimedia / RoRo

The taproot, also known as the axonomorphic root, or taproot, is the root that grows downward vertically. From it arise others, which are much finer, called secondary roots. This organ is usually easy to recognize, since it is the thickest of all.

But this when you want to transplant is a problem, since unless the plant is well rooted, when we remove it from the pot or the ground without realizing it we can injure it that could be fatal. It is for this reason that it is so difficult to transplant herbs such as dandelions, carrots or thistles.

What types are there?

There are two types:

  • Spindle root: has tapers on the top and bottom. For example: the one of the white radish.
  • Napiform root: it is wider than it is long. For example: the root of the turnip.

The term 'conical root' is also used to refer to the primary root.

What is it for?

The pivot root has the function keep the plant anchored in the ground. Its extension will be determined by environmental factors (the drier a place is, the longer it will be), and the size of the plant itself (the length of the root is usually, at least, the same as the height of the plant).

What are the plants that have it?

Generally, all trees and succulents (cacti, crass and caudiciformes) have it. But are not the only ones. Plants like thistles, parsnips, welwitschia or echium they also have it.

What happens if the taproot to a tree is cut?

When, for example, a tree is worked as a bonsai, one of the first things that any bonsaist master or anyone who has years of experience working plants following the techniques of the classic bonsai school can tell you is that you have to cut the taproot. And this has its why.

We have said that it is a root that keeps the plant attached to the ground and prevents (or avoids as much as possible) that a strong gale can remove it. Well then, When that same plant is kept in a pot, this same root will "lift" the tree or whatever type of plant it is, pushing it upwards.

When cut, this is prevented from happening. But it is also forced to produce many secondary roots, which are finer. Now, when you run out of the pivot, you will have to be attached with wires to the container where you are growing; and if it were to be planted in the ground, for the first few years it would need to be tied to a stake so that it could root long enough to remain firmly attached to the ground.

How is it cut?

In the case of the tree that wants to be worked as bonsai, it should be preferably cut when the tree is still very young (in fact, it is waited for the seed to germinate and then for the seedling to remove 4-6 pairs of true leaves), because This way the wound will be smaller and therefore it will be able to heal faster. Cast it is done with scissors that are very clean, and disinfected. Afterwards, you have to seal the wound with healing paste.

If, on the other hand, you want to harvest the root, you simply have to dig the earth a little and remove it.

When is the taproot NOT to be cut?

Very young trees are not pruned

Image - Wikimedia / Manjithkaini

There are situations in which it is not a good idea to cut the main root, and they are the following:

  • When the plant is in poor health: if you have any plague or disease, or if you have been thirsty or on the contrary you have suffered from excess water, it is better not to cut anything until you have fully recovered.
  • When it only has that rootAlthough it may sometimes seem obvious, you should never cut the taproot if the plant only has that root and others that sprout from it, unless it is clear that you want to harvest, for example, carrots.
  • When doubts arise: This is a reason that I wanted to put it because if we cut a taproot with doubts, we can run the risk of losing the plant. So first of all, you have to consult, find out, and when things are clear, then proceed to cut.

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