Soil is the complex medium.

Water absorption and radial movement in plants involves two processes: Cell to cell movement: Water moves from cell to cell across the root through osmosis. Movement across the cortex: Water moves with water-filled spaces into the cell walls, forming a continuous system from the soil water film to the endodermis.  Here's the sequence of water movement in plants: Epidermis: Water travels from the soil medium into epidermal cells. Cell to cell movement: Water moves from cell to cell through cell walls and protoplasm and through intercellular spaces to the xylem. Xylem: Water is... Show more

Water absorption and radial movement in plants involves two processes:
Cell to cell movement: Water moves from cell to cell across the root through osmosis.
Movement across the cortex: Water moves with water-filled spaces into the cell walls, forming a continuous system from the soil water film to the endodermis. 

Here's the sequence of water movement in plants:
Epidermis: Water travels from the soil medium into epidermal cells.
Cell to cell movement: Water moves from cell to cell through cell walls and protoplasm and through intercellular spaces to the xylem.
Xylem: Water is transported through the xylem vessels to the leaves and is evaporated by the process of transpiration. 
The root system has root hairs that help increase the surface area for water absorption.

Show less