Aerial roots

Title

Aerial roots

Definition

Adventitious roots of lianas and hemiepiphytes in the forest canopy that ultimately anchor in the ground or some other substrate; e.g., some species of Clusia (Clusiaceae) and Philodendron (Araceae). The aerial roots of some species are split and used to make baskets, furniture, hats and as rope to tie together temporary shelters.

Notes

Aerial roots serve several functions: 1) to attach the plant to the substrate it climbs (e.g., poison ivy) and/or 2) carry nutrients and water from the soil to the leaves (e.g., many species of Araceae.

Related Terms

Adventitious

Adventitious roots