Question

Climbing roots are present in
A. Loranthus
B. Curcuma amada
C. Rose
D. Piper betle

Answer 1

Hint:- Climbing roots are the adventitious roots that have a very weak stem. To support the weak stems, these plants generate climbing roots from the nodes or internodes of the plants. They penetrate through the cracks of their support system and produce and grow by sticking to the support. Sometimes they also secrete a gummy substance to get a firm hold on its support.

Complete Answer:- Loranthus are the parasitic plants that live on a host plant. The host is generally a woody and firm stem bearing trees on which Loranthus resides. They have roots penetrating inside the host’s circulatory system and suck water and other nutrients from the host plant resulting in weakness and poor growth in the host. The special organ involved in this process is called Haustoria.
Curcuma amada is the medicinal plants that have adventitious roots which store food for later use.

The root is used as a spice, as well as medicine. They do not possess climbing roots. In the primary stage, rose plants develop a taproot system. Later on, with age, the roots look like a fibrous root system. In the case of piper betle, the aerial roots facilitate the attachment with the supporting wall or rocks. The anchoring of the piper betle leads to absorption of moisture and nutrients like other underground roots.

So, the correct answer is option “D” – Piper betle.

Note:- Curcuma amada, also known as mango ginger is widely popular in parts of India for its mango flavour and tangy taste. It lacks its pungency and develops a raw mango flavour. It is used as spices in making pickles in South India and cooking chutney in North India.