VARIOUS SUPPORT SYSTEMS IN PLANT

BUTTRESS ROOTS

- The taproot system of large trees does not provide good support. Many of these large trees have buttress
roots at the base of the stem to provide extra support. The rain tree and the flame of the forest have
buttress roots.

PROP ROOTS

- The prop roots of the banyan develop from the branches and grow downwards into the ground to give the
tree extra support. Prop roots of maize grow from the nodes of the stem close to the soil surface.

CLASPING ROOTS

- Clasping roots enable the plant to climb by growing around and clasping its support. Some orchids, money
plants and pepper plants have this kind of roots.

TENDRILS

- A tendril is a coiled structure which develops from the stem or leaf. Tendrils wind themselves around the
support and help the plant to climb. The cucumber, garden pea and pumpkin have tendrils.

THORNS

- A thorn is a modified branch and it cannot be easily removed from the stem. The bougainvillea has thorns
which are used as organs of support for climbing.
PRICKLES

- A prickle is an outgrowth of the epidermis and can be easily removed from the stem. Prickles are found in
roses.

AIR SACS

- The brown alga is common on rocky shores. It is alternately exposed and coved by the tides every day. This
alga has air sacs provide buoyancy.

STILT ROOTS

- Mangrove trees which grow in muddy places have stilt roots that provide additional support. Stilt roots
develop from the main stem of the mangrove trees.