Question

Some plants like Viscum and Striga send roots into the xylem of the best plant to get water and minerals. Such roots are called as

• A. Velamen roots
• B. Nodular roots
• C. Stilt roots
• D. Haustorial roots

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Haustorial roots

The aerial roots which are covered by a spongy layer of dead cells in orchids are called velamen roots.

Nodular roots are the ones that contain root nodules involved in symbiotic relationship nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobia).

The roots in which supporting roots come out of the lower nodes of the stem are called stilt roots.

The roots of parasitic plants that penetrate the host's tissue and draws nutrients from it is called haustorial roots. All the Loranthaceae, Viscaceae (Viscum) and Santalaceae, Scrophulariaceae (e.g. Striga, Alectra, Seymeria) are parasitic plants.

So, the answer is D.