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As seen on CT – root structures revealed by the Hounsfield scanner

Pictures
Maize develops from a single kernel from which both the stem and earliest roots grow. The root system grows around a primary root supported by smaller lateral roots. As the plants grow older, aboveground brace roots sprout and become the main source of nutrients and water. Image credit - Brian Atkinson
Sugar beet grows around a main tap root which stores the sucrose harvested for sugar. The cells dyed green, as viewed under a microscope, form the cortex of the plant, where nutrients and sucrose are stored. Image credit - Brian Atkinson
Calico hearts grow on rocky terrain where water is scarce. They are known as succulents because they have thick fleshy leaves that retain rain water. Their roots are thick and spread out in search of water and anchorage. Image credit - Brian Atkinson; Adromischus maculatus by David J. Stang is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
The freesia flower grows from a round underground organ known as a corm or a bulb that has developed from the stem. The corm is what helps the plant store enough food to survive in a dormant form through winter. Image credit - Brian Atkinson and Elena Regina
The Norway spruce, traditionally used as a Christmas tree, has evolved to survive the sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic winter. Their thin needles reduce water loss and their roots use as much space as they can. The roots of this two-year-old sapling have been limited by its pot. Image credit - Brian Atkinson
Peas have gravitropic roots, which means the primary roots will always grow downwards. Each of the cells at the end of the roots contain a small starch grain, which is heavy compared to the cell. This means the starch grain will always move to the bottom of the cell, indicating which way to grow. Lateral roots then spread over wider areas at an angle to find anchorage and nutrients. Image credit - Brian Atkinson