Question

Hygroscopic roots occur in
A. Vanda
B. Rhizophora
C. Bryophyllum
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The hygroscopic roots function as normal terrestrial roots. The majority of aerial roots help to absorb moisture directly from the cloud or wet soil. The function of hygroscopic is to bind the plant to the soil.

Complete Answer:
The hygroscopic root is a component of a vascular plant. Its main purposes are plant anchoring, water absorption, and dissolved minerals and their conduction to the stem, and supply food storage. Hygroscopic roots are the roots where a particular dermal tissue extracts water from the atmosphere.

Now lets us find the solution from the given options:
- Vanda: In Vanda roots are found to be hygroscopic roots. Vanda epiphytic species possess very large and modified root aerial structures. As in other plants, these aerial plants are used for food consumption and water absorption Often they are used as a structure and for reaching the surface. So, Vanda is the correct answer.
- Rhizophora: Rhizophora growing in moist areas and shady areas so many of the roots come from the bottom and rise up vertically to receive oxygen. These kinds of roots are termed as pneumatophores. So, Rhizophora is an incorrect
- Bryophyllum: Bryophyllum leaves grow small plantlets along their edges, with adventitious roots. These get removed, and a full plant is formed. So, Bryophyllum is an incorrect answer.

Hence the correct answer is option A.

Note: Epiphytic roots are also named as 'hygroscopic roots'. These roots grow in a few orchids which develop as epiphytes on the tree branches. They hang on independently in the environment and collect moisture with the support of specific tissue known as velamen. Velamen is a change of epidermis.