Question

Velamen and spongy tissue are found in

• A. Breathing roots
• B. Parasitic roots
• C. Tuberous roots
• D. Epiphytic roots

Answer 1

The correct option is D Epiphytic roots

Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants. They attach to larger plants with an adapted root system. Most epiphytes are not parasitic in nature and do not deprive the host plant of nutrients. Common examples of epiphytes include orchids (Orchidaceae family) and bromeliads (Bromeliaceae family). Epiphyte roots act as support structures just as roots planted in soil. Orchid roots are typical examples of this adaptation. The inside of an orchid root is called as the cortex. This nourishes the plant and is very strong. It is covered by the velamen, a material that can cling to almost anything. The velamen is also efficient in absorbing moisture or any nutrients found on the host plant, like minute traces of leaves and other debris. The epiphytic roots of orchids develop a spongy tissue to absorb moisture and nutrients from any organic material on their roots. So, velamen and spongy tissue are found in epiphytic roots and absent in breathing roots, parasitic roots and tuberous roots.
So, the correct answer is 'Epiphytic roots'