rhizoid

Hairlike outgrowth found on the gametophyte generation of ferns, mosses, and liverworts. Rhizoids anchor the plant to the substrate and can absorb water and nutrients.

They may be composed of many cells, as in mosses, where they are usually brownish, or may be unicellular, as in liverworts, where they are usually colourless. Rhizoids fulfil the same functions as the roots of higher plants but are simpler in construction.