Wrinkled bifurcated carrot

Daucus carota
Donated by Beth Franken, Ph.D.
2002

Weight: 8 g
Length: 13.5 cm

wrinkled bifurcated carrot

This curious carrot was purchased at her local farmers market by its donor, who was drawn to the uniqueness of its bifurcated form. She wished to share it with her sons, whose enthusiasm for the vegetable did not equal hers. The item did not get eaten. It eventually shriveled.

A carrot is basically a taproot. As the root grows, small, hairlike roots grow ahead of it, absorbing water and minerals from the soil. If these root hairs encounter an obstruction, they may branch in several directions. The main root will follow the paths of least resistance, creating a multi-forked carrot.  NEXT >

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