Question

Velamen containing structures of epiphyte Vanda are
A) Stems
B) Absorbing roots
C) Hanging roots
D) Clinging roots

Answer 1

The roots of few epiphytic plants are covered with a layer of spongy, multiple epidermis called Velamen. It is a compact dead cell with a secondary wall of lignified strips. These cells avoid water loss, provides support and also helps in absorption of water.

Complete answer:
A) Stems: It is the axis of a plant that flowers, leaves and buds. Stems can be soft or woody.They help in conduction of water and nutrients to all parts of the plant.It can also store food.
B) Absorbing roots:They are fragile and pale in colour.They are found close to the soil surface. They do not have suberin and help in absorption of water and nutrients from the soil.
C) Hanging roots :They are also called aerial roots as they are above the ground.They help in absorption of water and nutrients from the atmosphere. Velamen is present in aerial roots that helps in preventing exposure to UV radiation.
D) Clinging roots:They are found in epiphytic plants .They help the plants to adhere to the bark of a tree.
They also assist in drawing little nutrients from the bark.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘C’. ‘Hanging roots’

Note: Orchids are the epiphytic plants that bear all the three kinds of root .

Clinging roots- for dictation
Absorbing roots- for absorption of water and minerals
Epiphytic or aerial roots- for absorption of moisture from air.