A plant with epidermis specialised to absorb moisture from air is
Correct Answer :
Vanda
Solution :
The correct option is Vanda.
Explanation:
Vanda is a genus of epiphytic orchids. Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants or trees for physical support but are not parasitic, meaning they do not draw nutrients or water from the host plant.
Since epiphytic plants do not have their roots in the soil, they have developed specialized aerial roots to absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the surrounding atmosphere.
The Role of Velamen:
The epidermis of these aerial roots is specialized and modified into a multi-layered, spongy tissue known as velamen.
The cells of the velamen tissue are dead, hollow, and have highly hygroscopic cell walls. This structure allows them to act like a sponge, rapidly absorbing moisture, rain, and dew from the humid air. When wet, the velamen cells fill with water, helping the plant survive in canopy environments where soil water is unavailable.
Why other options are incorrect:
1. Rhizophora and Avicennia: These are mangrove plants (halophytes) that grow in saline, waterlogged, and oxygen-deficient marshy soils. They develop special roots called pneumatophores (breathing roots) that grow vertically upwards out of the water and mud to absorb oxygen from the air, rather than absorbing moisture.
2. Jussiaea: This is an aquatic plant (hydrophyte) that develops spongy, air-filled floating roots. These roots help in buoyancy (keeping the plant afloat) and facilitate gaseous exchange (respiration) under water, rather than absorbing atmospheric moisture.
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