What does aerial root mean?
Then, what is the purpose of aerial roots?
Aerial roots are roots that grow on the above-ground parts of a plant. Aerial roots on woody vines function as anchors, affixing the plant to supporting structures such as trellises, rocks and walls. Some types of aerial roots also absorb moisture and nutrients, just like underground roots.
Similarly, wHY DO THE banyan trees have aerial roots?
The banyan tree is mainly composed of aerial roots that provide support to the big heavy plant. The single under soil root system is not enough to provide support to the big and heavy standing banyan tree. The aerial roots are found coming out from one of the branches that provides complete support.
Mangrove trees are adapted for survival in oxygen-poor or anaerobic sediments through specialized root structures. These aerial roots allow for the transport of atmospheric gases to the underground roots. Red mangroves have prop roots extending from the trunk and adventitious roots from the branches.