Adventitious root

Adventitious roots grow from a branch, stem, leaf, or other non-root part of a plant. They can either be part of the plant’s normal pattern of growth or result from some form of stress, such as a flooding or an injury to the plant. When they occur naturally, they help plants thrive as well as survive environmental stresses. People can also intentionally prompt the development of adventitious roots to promote food production and to grow new plants.

Overview

Adventitious roots get their name from the Latin word adventicius, which means “foreign,” “strange,” or “accidental.” They are one of the three main types of plant roots. The others are taproots, a strong root that grows straight down, and fibrous roots, or a group of roots of similar size. Taproots grow directly from the embryonic radicle, whereas fibrous roots develop from the base of the stem; both types have other smaller roots that extend from them. Roots are important because they hold the plant in place and help the plant absorb and store water and nutrients.

There are several types of adventitious roots, which are categorized by their function. Assimilatory roots are a specialized type of green adventitious root that allow for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon into energy. These roots often flatten out, become ribbon-like, or develop into long, hanging threads to provide a larger surface area for the photosynthesis process.

Adventitious roots that provide food storage are thick and fleshy. They are subdivided into a number of different categories based on their shape and where the root is found. Tuberous roots, fasciculated fleshy roots, palmate roots, nodulose roots, beaded roots, and annulated roots are all examples of this type of adventitious root. Sweet potatoes and turmeric are common examples of adventitious roots that store food for the plant. Some of these roots can be used to grow new plants through a process known as vegetative reproduction.

Some adventitious roots provide physical support to help the plant remain firmly anchored and spread. There are specialized roots within this category as well. Prop roots grow downward from a tree’s branches until they touch the ground. They form thick posts that help support the branches. Stilt roots grow from the plant’s basal nodes, or areas on the stem where branches and leaves begin. They allow the plant to grow taller more quickly and provide additional sources of water and nutrients. Climbing and clinging adventitious roots also grow from the nodes, internodes, or both. These are most commonly found on plants with thin, weak stems. They help such plants grow tall enough for sun exposure. Buttress roots grow at the soil level to help provide a wide base for the plant. Contractile roots help bulbs physically reposition themselves in the soil for optimal growth. Floating roots are air filled roots that help support plants that grow in water.

Some adventitious roots, such as parasitic and epiphytic roots, help plants draw nutrients from somewhere other than soil. Parasitic plants grow on other plants and take nutrients and water from the host plant. Epiphytic roots draw water from the air. Some plants also grow adventitious roots that are hard and sharp, and pointed. These are known as root thorns and are thought to help protect the plant from climbing herbivores or predators.

Bibliography

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