Question

Velamen or 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

In the case of the epiphytic orchids, their roots tend to grow upwards and they are totally independent of soil contact. The fantastic tissue adapted to an entirely soil free life is called as velamen and is only found in a few other plant groups (e.g. Clivia in the family Amaryllidaceae for instance). The velamen surrounds the orchid root and acts like a sponge, accumulating water, which is transported via special passage cells to the pipeline (stele) inside the root and from there nutrients go to pseudobulbs and leaves. Velamen is absent in breathing roots. parasitic roots and tuberous roots.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.