Roots and rhizomes

LESSON 76

The theme: ROOTS AND RHIZOMES The aim: Development of reading, understanding, oral and translating skills.

ROOTS AND RHIZOMES

Roots and rhizomes are subterranean organs of plants that hold the plants in place and supply them with water and nourishing salts from the soil. It is well known that roots and rhizomes are easily recognized by their appearance, colour, odour and taste as well as by the structure of transverse section. Some medicinal plants (Valerian, Althea, Ginseng etc.) are very valuable by their roots and rhizomes that are used in preparing medicinal forms.

Roots and rhizomes are gathered, washed or freed from earth, crushed or cut into pieces and dried corresponding to each drug dispensary form.

The root is one of the first parts of a plant that starts to grow. A primary root develops from a plant's seed and quickly produces branches called secondary roots. At the tip of each root is a root cap that protects the delicate tip as it pushes through the soil. Threadlike root hairs grow farther back on the root. These hairs greatly increase the plant's ability to absorb water and minerals from the soil.

1. What are the roots and rhizomes? 2. What are the medicinal plants do you know?