RootsAre

Rootsare is a term used in online discourse and in small-scale projects to refer to the idea that root systems are foundational to plant health and ecosystem processes. The term functions as both a conceptual label and a brand name for initiatives focused on root biology, data visualization, and education about root systems.

Etymology and usage: The word is a portmanteau of "roots" and the verb "are," intended to stress that roots are fundamental. It emerged in the early 2020s in science communication communities and gained traction on social platforms and in citizen science projects, often used to frame discussions around plant physiology and ecological networks.

Projects and media: RootsAre is used as a brand for an open data project hosting root morphology datasets, 3D models, and interactive visualizations; it encourages community contributions and provides tutorials on root sampling, imaging, and analysis. It also appears as the title of art installations and educational kits that use root-inspired designs to teach about ecology and plant science.

See also: Root system, Plant anatomy, Mycorrhizal associations, Phytobiome, Botanical data visualization.