EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Although the black mangrove does not have prop roots, small air roots can be seen extending vertically from the soils surrounding the trunk. These air roots, called pneumatophores, extend upward from the underground roots above the soil surface.

Detailed explanation-2: -For this purpose, mangrove species have specialized above ground roots called breathing roots or pneumatophores. In some species, these roots are pencil sized and peg like whereas in some other species they look like a knee. These roots have numerous pores through which oxygen enters into the underground tissues.

Detailed explanation-3: -Aerial roots are roots above the ground. They are almost always adventitious. They are found in diverse plant species, including epiphytes such as orchids (Orchidaceae), tropical coastal swamp trees such as mangroves, banyan figs (Ficus subg.

Detailed explanation-4: -In order to capture more oxygen, the roots of the mangrove trees grow upwards, out of the soil.

Detailed explanation-5: -So the roots do not get enough air or oxygen to breathe. To overcome this problem, the mangroves develop additional special roots that come out of water (that look like spikes sticking out from the ground). These roots are called aerial roots or breathing roots.