Question

Students were on the excursion to a botanical garden. They noted following observation. Will you be able to help them in understanding those condition?

Many plants in the marshy region had upwardly growing roots. They could be better seen during low tide.

Answer 1

1. Plants growing in marshy region (halophytes) produce upwardly growing roots called as pneumatophores or respiratory roots.
2. The main root system of these plants does not get sufficient air for respiration as soil is water logged.
3. Due to this, mineral absorption of plant also gets affected.
4. To overcome this problem underground roots, develop special roots which are negatively geotropic; growing vertically upward.
5. These roots are conical projections present around main trunk of plant.
6. Respiratory roots show presence of lenticels which helps in gaseous exchange.