Botany Vocab

Root Modifications

Adaptations in plant roots that enhance survival, such as food storage or support.

Sweet Potato

An example of a root modification used for food storage.

Prop Roots

Adventitious roots that arise from the stem or leaf tissue, providing support.

Gravitropism

Roots are positively gravitropic, meaning they grow downward in response to gravity.

Phototropism

Roots exhibit negative phototropism, meaning they grow away from light.

Pneumatophores

Roots that extend above the soil or water surface for gas exchange, found in Black Mangrove.

Aerial Roots

Roots that grow above the ground, such as those in orchids, designed for water conservation.

Valemen

Multiple epidermis that stores water instead of sugar in aerial roots of orchids.

Hypodermis

A layer of tissue in plants, often involved in protection and support.

Banyan Tree

A tree known for its prop roots that grow from the branches.

Buttress Roots

Roots that provide stability for trees in shallow soils, such as fig trees.

Hansotia

A plant with parasitic roots that grow on a host plant.

Dodder

A parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll, appearing yellow due to minimal photosynthesis.

Mycorrhizae

Fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, enhancing nutrient acquisition.

Ectomycorrhizae

A type of mycorrhizae that forms a mantle around the root cortex but does not penetrate cells.

Endomycorrhizae

A type of mycorrhizae that penetrates the root cells, increasing surface area for absorption.

Root Nodules

Swellings on roots that house nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants.

Rhizome

A horizontal stem that grows below ground, giving rise to adventitious roots.

Runners

Above-ground horizontal stems with long internodes; adventitious roots and shoots may emerge.

Tuber

A swollen structure at the end of a stolon, containing several internodes, with 'eyes' as nodes.

Bulbs

Large buds surrounded by fleshy leaves, with adventitious roots growing from the lower end.

Corms

Fleshy stems mostly surrounded by scale-like leaves, as seen in radishes.

Cladophylls

Flattened stems that have buds and small scale-like leaves.

Thorns

Sharp spines formed from axillary buds for protection.

Tendrils

Modified structures for clinging to surfaces while climbing, commonly found in grapes.