Question

Epiphytic roots possess
(a) Velamen
(b) Root cap
(c) Root hair
(d) All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Epiphytes are the plants that live on the surface of other plants for shelter and space. As they are not in touch with the soil, they are endowed with some special structures to help them absorb a basic necessity for its survival from the air.

Complete step by step answer:
Epiphytic roots or aerial roots are present in epiphytes. They bear three types of roots, among which epiphytic roots is one of them. The other two are clinging roots and absorbing roots. The clinging roots are for the fixation on their host plant while the absorbing roots are for the absorption of mineral salts and moisture from the dust that collects on the bark. The epiphytic roots are thick, irregular, and hang down in the air. They do not bear any root caps or root hairs. Instead of these appendages, it bears a covering of dead spongy tissue known as velamen. With its help, the epiphytes absorb water from the moist atmosphere, dew, and rain.
So, the correct answer is ‘Velamen.’

Additional Information:
- The tip of the root is protected by a root cap, which is a structure exclusive to the roots and is unlike any of the other plant structures. The root cap has to be replaced continuously because it gets easily damaged as the root pushes through the soil.
- The root hair arises from the epidermis tissue. They increase the exposed surface of the roots for the absorption.

Note:
- In the tap root system, the primary root or taproot from the radicle persists, which is the thickest and largest of all. It penetrates deeper into the soil.E.g Pea, Sunflower.
- In the fibrous root system, tufts of roots arise from a radicle which is nearly equal in size. The surface area for absorption substantially increases. E.g.wheat.
- Adventitious root system involves the growth of roots from parts other than radical.E.g.Lower nodes of the stem bear roots to provide support to the plant in maize.