Plant Biology
Taproot
A large, central, dominant root from which other roots sprout laterally. Taproots grow deep into the soil, providing stability and access to deep water.
Biological Context
Carrots, dandelions, and oak trees have taproots. Some taproots reach 4-7+ meters deep. Taproot systems are harder to transplant than fibrous root systems because damage to the main root is severe. Taproots store nutrients and anchor plants against wind.
Business Application
Taproot business structures have deep, central core competencies that everything else branches from. They're stable but less adaptable than distributed structures. Damaging the taproot (core business) threatens the whole organization.