part_of part of develops_from develops from anatomical entity root primordium root A plant axis (PO:0025004) that lacks shoot axis nodes (PO:0005004) and usually grows indeterminately. PO:0003006 PO:0009005 PO_GIT:578 Roots function in the absorption of water and inorganic nutrients, anchoring the plant body to the substrate and supporting it, storage of food and nutrients, and vegetative reproduction. The roots of most vascular plant species enter into symbiosis with soil-borne microorganisms. Roots are usually positively geotropic and found underground, although there are many exceptions such as the aerial roots of orchids. Roots often form secondary thickening from the root lateral meristem (PO:0006308). Commonly thought of as one of the three basic parts of the plant body, along with the shoot axis (PO:0025029) and leaves (PO:0025034). aerial root (narrow) climbing root (narrow) plant_anatomy ra&#237z (Spanish, exact) radices (exact, plural) radix (exact) 根 (Japanese, exact) plant axis root system