Question

What are stilt roots and pneumatophores?

Answer 1

Roots:

1. They are the organs of plants that mostly grow below the soil's surface.
2. Absorption of water and nutrients from the soil, primary anchoring of plant parts, and storage of reserve food material are the key activities of the root system.
3. Some roots are also modified for support, storage of food, and respiration.

Stilt roots:

1. Stilt roots are adventitious roots that emerge from the base of stem nodes.
2. They grow downwards till they reach the soil substratum.
3. Typically, they support the weaker stems mechanically.
4. Example - roots of sugarcane

Pneumatophores:

1. They are modified roots.
2. They are roots that come out of the ground and grow vertically upwards.
3. They help to get oxygen for respiration.
4. They are found in the Rhizophora plant, which grows in swampy areas.