Page 5 - Lesson Notes-Morphologyof flowering plant

(e) Stilt Roots These are small thick supporting roots growing obliquely from the
basal nodes of the main stem. These provide mechanical support, e.g., Saccharum
officinarum (sugarcane), Zea mays (maize).
(f) Climbing (Clinging) Roots These roots are found in climbers. They may arise from
the nodes, e.g., Ivy, Pothos (money plant).

(g) Assimilatory (Photosynthetic) Roots These roots have chlorophyll and can
synthesise food, e.g., Aerial or hanging roots of some orchids.
(h) Parasitic (Sucking) Roots These roots occur in parasitic plant for absorbing
nourishment from their host. These roots function as haustoria, e.g., Cuscuta
(dodder).
Functions of Roots
The major functions of roots are as follows
(i) Fixation Root provides fixation to the plants with soil.
(ii) Absorption Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil and provide it to all
parts of the body.
Storage Roots of many plants store food for the use of other plant parts and for
animals.
(iv) Aeration Plants growing in waterlogged soil or marshy areas have special roots,
i.e., pneumatophores for respiration.
(v) Conduction Roots transport water and minerals in upward direction for the uses
of stems and leaves.
The Stem