What are respiratory roots? How do they help the plant? Give an example.

Solution:

Respiratory roots or pneumatophores are specialized aerial roots in plants growing in waterlogged, anaerobic soils (mangrove swamps).

Characteristics:

• Grow vertically upward from underground roots
• Possess lenticels (pores) for gas exchange
• Facilitate oxygen uptake for aerobic respiration

Example: Rhizophora (mangrove), Avicennia