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Aerial roots areroots growing above the ground. They are oftenadventitious, i.e. formed from nonroot tissue. They are found in diverse plant species, includingepiphytes such as orchids (Orchidaceae), tropical coastal swamp trees such asmangroves, banyan figs (Ficus subg. Urostigma), the warm-temperate rainforest rata (Metrosideros robusta), and pōhutukawa trees ofNew Zealand (Metrosideros excelsa).Vines such as common ivy (Hedera helix) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) also have aerial roots.
This plant organ that is found in so many diverse plant-families has different specializations that suit the plant-habitat. In general growth-form, they can be technically classed asnegatively gravitropic (grows up and away from the ground) orpositively gravitropic (grows down toward the ground).[1]
Banyan trees are an example of astrangler fig that begins life as anepiphyte in thecrown of another tree. Their roots grow down and around the stem of the host, their growth accelerating once the ground has been reached. Over time, the roots coalesce to form a pseudotrunk, which may give the appearance that it is strangling the host.
Another strangler that begins life as an epiphyte is theMoreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) of tropical and subtropical eastern Australia, which has powerfully descending aerial roots. In the subtropical to warm-temperate rainforests of northern New Zealand,Metrosideros robusta, the rata tree, sends aerial roots down several sides of the trunk of the host. From these descending roots, horizontal roots grow out to girdle the trunk and fuse with the descending roots. In some cases, the "strangler" outlives the host tree, leaving as its only trace a hollow core in the massive pseudotrunk of the rata.
These specialized aerial roots enable plants to breathe air in habitats with waterlogged soil. The roots may grow downward from the stem or upward from typical roots. Some botanists classify them asaerating roots rather thanaerial roots if they emerge from the soil. The surface of these roots is covered with porouslenticels, which lead to air-filled spongy tissue calledaerenchyma. This tissue facilitates thediffusion of gases throughout the plant, as oxygendiffusion coefficient in air is four orders of magnitude greater than in water.[2]
Pneumatophores differentiate theblack mangrove andgrey mangrove from othermangrove species.Fishers in some areas ofSoutheast Asia make corks forfishing nets by shaping the pneumatophores of mangrove apples (Sonneratia caseolaris) into small floats.[3]
Members of the subfamilyTaxodioideae produce woody above-ground structures, known ascypress knees, that project upward from their horizontal roots. One hypothesis suggests that these structures function as pneumatophores, facilitating gas exchange in waterlogged soils. However, modern research has largely discredited this idea, as the knees lack aerenchyma and gas exchange through them is not significant. Their true functions remain unclear, with alternative theories proposing roles such as nutrient acquisition or storage, structural support, or erosion prevention.[4]
These roots are found inparasitic plants, where aerial roots become cemented to the host plant via a sticky attachment disc before intruding into the tissues of the host.Mistletoe is an example of this.
Adventitious roots usually develop fromplantlet nodes formed via horizontal, above ground stems, termedstolons, e.g.,strawberry runners, andspider plant.
Some leaves develop adventitious buds, which then form adventitious roots, e.g. piggyback plant (Tolmiea menziesii) and mother-of-thousands (Kalanchoe daigremontiana). The adventitious plantlets then drop off the parent plant and develop as separateclones of the parent.
Aerial roots may receive water and nutrient intake from the air. There are many types of aerial roots; some, such as mangrove, are used foraeration and not for water absorption. In other cases, they are used mainly for structure, and in order to reach the surface. Many plants rely on the leaf system for gathering the water into pockets, or onto scales. These roots function as terrestrial roots do.
Most aerial roots directly absorb the moisture from fog or humid air.
Some surprising results in studies on aerial roots oforchids show that thevelamen (the white spongy envelope of the aerial roots), are actually totally waterproof, preventing water loss but not allowing any water in. Once reaching and touching a surface, the velamen is not produced in the contact area, allowing the root to absorb water like terrestrial roots.
Many other epiphytes - non-parasitic or semi-parasitic plants living on the surface of other plants - have developed cups and scales that gather rainwater or dew. The aerial roots in this case work as regular surface roots. There are also several types of roots, creating a cushion where a high humidity is retained.
Some of the aerial roots, especially in the genusTillandsia, have a physiology that collects water from humidity, and absorbs it directly.
In theSierra Mixe (named afterthe geographical area)[5] variety ofmaize, aerial roots produce a sweetmucus that supportsnitrogen fixing bacteria, which supply 30–80 percent of the plant's nitrogen needs.[6]
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Many plants that are commonly grown indoors can develop aerial roots, such asMonstera deliciosa, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica), Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata),Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, manyPhilodendron and succulents such asEcheveria.
Aerial roots on houseplants do not serve as much of a purpose as on outdoor plants, as there is no rain indoors and indoor humidity is often low due to A/C and heating systems. However, studies have shown that increasing indoor humidity can result in houseplant aerial roots growing longer in length, resulting in lower levels of transpiration and more efficient intake of nitrogen than aroid houseplants grown in standard indoor humidity.[7] Aerial roots on houseplant cuttings increase the chances of successful propagation.
The presence of aerial roots is not an indicator of plant health. If a plant does not have aerial roots, that is no reason for concern.
