Pneumatode
Pneumatode
Specialized structure of roots
In botany, pneumatodes are air-containing structures in plant roots.[1] Their function is to allow gaseous exchange in root tissues. This can be beneficial to semi-aquatic plants, such as neo-tropical palms.[2] Plants with photosynthetic roots, such as epiphytic orchids like Dendrophylax lindenii also possess these structures. They play a role in fungal interactions.[3]