Aerial root facts for kids

The aerial root of a young Pōhutukawa tree (Metrosideros excelsa), Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand

Mangroves in West Bali National Park, Indonesia. Notice the aerial roots

Aerial roots are roots that are above ground. Different plants have grown them. They can serve different purposes:

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 the place where it is. Eventually, it will strangle the host.
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 nutritients. One example of this is the Mistletoe.
Roots to propagate: Some plants have aboveground 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 for kids

A Schefflera arboricola indoor bonsai soon after branch pruning to show extensive aerial roots.

Indian banyan Tree in Kodungallur Temple, Kerala, India