Question

The floating roots are the characteristic feature of
A. Jussiaea
B. Viscum
C. Tinospora
D. Vanda

Answer 1

Hint: Roots are the underground part of the plant that functions in absorption of water and minerals from the soil. Floating roots are found in aquatic plants. They are modified for floating and respiration.

Complete solution:
Viscum is a genus containing 70 to 100 species of mistletoes. Mistletoes are semi-parasitic plants which are attached to the host tree or shrub using haustoria (helps in absorbing water and nutrients from the host plant).

Tinospora is a genus of succulent shrubs. There are about 39 species known. These species generally form long aerial roots from the host trees. Tinospora cordifolia is the common species also known as heart-leaved moonseed, giloy and guduchi.

Vanda is a genus of the Orchidaceae family. There are about 80 known species of this genus. They are generally epiphytic plants with highly variable leaves in different habitats.

Floating roots are the modifications of adventitious roots. These roots arise from the node of the aquatic plants. Most commonly found in Jussiaea. They are spongy roots filled with air which helps in proving buoyancy to the plant for floating. These roots make the plant inflated so that it can float on the surface of the water as well as can creep over the surface of wetlands.

Jussiaea is also known as Ludwigia adscendens (evening primrose). They have simple leaves with elliptical blades. Flower arises singly at the axils with 5 sepals, 5 petals and 10 stamens.

Note: Plants that live in water are known as hydrophytes. Hydrophytes are classified as floating plants, marginal plants, deep water plants and oxygenating plants.