Question

Special type of roots present in epiphytic plants are:

• A. Prop roots
• B. Pneumatophores
• C. Clinging roots
• D. Velamen roots

Hint:

Epiphytic orchids possess aerial roots covered with velamen, a spongy tissue that quickly absorbs atmospheric moisture and dissolved nutrients.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants for physical support but do not derive nutrients from them. They commonly grow on tree trunks or branches in tropical forests. Examples include many orchids. Since epiphytes do not grow in soil, they require special adaptations to absorb water and nutrients directly from the atmosphere. One such adaptation is the presence of velamen roots.
• Velamen is a thick, spongy, multilayered epidermis found in the aerial roots of epiphytic plants.
• It helps in rapid absorption of moisture and nutrients from the surrounding air.
• It also protects the roots from excessive water loss and mechanical damage.

Step 1: Understand the adaptation of epiphytic plants. Epiphytic plants grow on other plants and therefore cannot obtain water from soil. They depend on atmospheric moisture, rainwater, and organic debris. To efficiently absorb this moisture, they develop specialized aerial roots with velamen tissue.

Step 2: Analyze the given options.
• Prop roots: Provide mechanical support to plants like banyan trees.
• Pneumatophores: Respiratory roots found in mangrove plants growing in waterlogged soils.
• Clinging roots: Help climbers attach to support structures.
• Velamen roots: Specialized aerial roots found in epiphytic plants for absorbing moisture from the air.

Step 3: Identify the correct option. Therefore, the special type of roots present in epiphytic plants are: \[ Velamen roots \]