AIR ROOT Meaning and
Definition
-
An air root refers to a type of specialized root found in certain plant species that grow in diverse habitats, such as marshlands, mangroves, and epiphytic environments. These roots are also known as pneumatophores and are characterized by their ability to emerge above the ground or water surface, allowing the plant to absorb oxygen directly from the air. Unlike conventional roots that primarily anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients from the soil, air roots have evolved to provide a supplementary oxygen supply to support the plant's respiration.
Air roots typically possess unique structural adaptations that facilitate gas exchange. They often feature numerous small pores called lenticels, which allow the diffusion of gases between the root and the surrounding atmosphere. In addition, some air roots also exhibit specialized tissues known as aerenchyma, which are comprised of air-filled spaces that function to transport oxygen from the aerial environment to the submerged parts of the plant.
By obtaining oxygen from the air, air roots enable plants to thrive in habitats with oxygen-deprived or waterlogged conditions. This adaptive feature becomes particularly important for plants that grow in marshes or mangroves, where the soil is often saturated with water and lacks sufficient aeration. Moreover, epiphytic plants, which grow on the surface of other plants without being parasitic, employ air roots as a strategy to access vital oxygen when their host plants provide limited nutrient availability.
Common Misspellings for AIR ROOT
- zir root
- sir root
- wir root
- qir root
- aur root
- ajr root
- akr root
- aor root
- a9r root
- a8r root
- aie root
- aid root
- aif root
- ait root
- ai5 root
- ai4 root
- air eoot
- air doot
- air foot
- air toot
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
