Question

Write two examples of plants with climbing roots.

Answer 1

Hint: These plants have roots that may arise from the part of the plant other than the root system. They help anchor the plant in place and provide support to the plant.

Complete Answer:
- A Plant is differentiated into root, stem and leaves. Some plants may bear flowers and seeds. The part of the plant under the soil constitutes the root system while the part above the ground forms the shoot system.
- The root system in plants mainly functions to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, provide proper anchorage to the plant parts, store food sources and synthesise plant growth regulators.
- Roots may be of various forms, such as tap roots, fibrous root, adventitious, etc. Roots of certain plants change their shape and composition and are adapted to perform functions other than the absorption and conduction of water and minerals. They are modified to give support, store materials and for respiration purposes.
- Climbing roots are adventitious roots that emerge from nodes or internodes in plants with thin stems.
- Plants with climbing roots are firmly attached to their climbing surface with the help of adhesive roots. They are either limited to certain locations along the stem, or along the stem. Two examples of plants with climbing roots are the cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) and the English ivy (Hedera helix).

Note: In general, dicotyledonous plants have tap roots, whereas monocotyledonous plants have fibrous roots. Various plants have different parts that are adapted to their environment, e.g. adaptations to different environments, climbing, storage, protection, etc.