Aerial root
The aerial root of a young Pōhutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa), Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand
An Aerial root is a root which is above the ground. Different plants have grown them. They can have different functions:
- For support: Sometimes such roots are grown for support. Ivy plants have them to cling to structures, such as stone walls, or other trees. The Banyan tree (also known as strangler fig) grows them downward from branches into the forest floor. Eventually, the host tree dies.
- Roots for breathing: Some plants grow in environments where there is much water in the soil. They may then grow such roots (upwards) to breathe air. Black mangroves have such roots, for example.
- As a parasite. Parasites sometimes grow these, into the host to get nutrients. One example of this is the mistletoe.
- Roots to propagate: Some plants have above-ground roots. In some places, little plants (with leaves and roots) develop. They will drop off at some point, and develop into new plants (that are clones of the parent). Examples for this are strawberries or the spider plant.
Images
A Fig has its fruits on an aerial root
Another Pōhutukawa tree with an aerial root coming from a branch
Close-up of the aerial root
Aerial Root Media
The grey mangrove (Avicennia marina)'s pneumatophorous aerial roots
A Heptapleurum arboricola indoor bonsai soon after branch pruning to show extensive aerial roots.
Banyan tree of undetermined species in Fort Myers, Florida
European Beech with aerial roots in a wet Scottish Glen.
Hybrid elm cultivar with aerial roots, Edinburgh
Indian banyan tree in Kodungallur Temple, Kerala, India
Pneumatophores of mangrove plant
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