Difference Between Prop Root and Stilt Root

Prop Root and Stilt Root are the types of adventitious roots. In plants when new roots arise from different parts of the plants such as the stem, and branches of leaves it is known as the adventitious root system. This adventitious root system is further divided into two types namely prop roots and stilt roots. Both types of roots provide mechanical support for the plants. However, they differ in terms of appearance, source, development, and functions. The below article covers the difference between both two types of roots.

Difference Between Prop Root and Stilt Root

Differences between Prop Root and Stilt Root are discussed below:

Parameter	Prop roots	Stilt roots
Definition	Prop roots are defined as aerial roots of trees that grow from the horizontal branches of the trees.	Stilt roots are defined as a type of root that grows from the basal node of the main stem.
Growth	Prop roots grow vertically downwards.	Stilt roots grow obliquely.
Development	Prop roots grow from the horizontal branches of the tree.	Stilt roots grow from the basal node at the main stem.
Function	The function of prop roots is to provide mechanical support for the trees and spread the branches.	The function of stilt roots is to provide mechanical support for trees against the wind.
Length	Prop roots and long in length.	Stilt roots and short in length.
Hygroscopic nature	The young roots of such plants are hygroscopic in nature.	The young roots of such plants are not hygroscopic in nature.
Synonym	Prop roots are also known as columnar roots or pillar roots.	Split roots are also known as supportive roots.
Examples	Banyan trees and figs are examples of prop root trees.	Pandanus and Mangroves are examples of plants with stilt roots.

What is Prop Root?

Prop roots are defined as aerial roots of trees that grow from the horizontal branches of the trees. These roots look like long poles. Prop roots are also known as columnar roots. These roots grow in a vertical direction towards the soil and are long and thick.

These roots provide mechanical support for the trees and even support the branches of the tree. Young and newly growing prop roots absorb moisture from the air. Prop roots can even replace the original main stem. For breathing prop roots have lenticels. Banyan tree and fig are the examples of prop root tree.

What is Stilt Root?

Stilt root are defined as a type of roots that grows from the basal node of the main stem. As compared to prop roots stilt roots are short but very massive and thick. Stilt roots grow obliquely at an angle of the stem. Stilt root looks like ropes tied to the tent. Stilt roots also provide mechanical support for the plants.

Like prop roots stilt roots don’t grow vertically downwards. Stilt roots have multiple root caps. Pandanus and Mangroves are the examples of plants with stilt roots.

Similarities between Prop roots and Stilt Roots

Similarities between Prop roots and Stilt roots are discussed below:

1. The main aim of prop roots and stilt roots is to provide mechanical support for the trees.
2. Both the prop roots and stilt roots do not grow from the roots.
3. Both prop roots and stilt root enters the soil.
4. Prop roots and stilt roots both are types adventitious roots.

FAQs on Prop and Stilt Roots

1. What is meant by Tap roots?

Answer:

Tap roots are defined as a type of roots system in which roots are sprouted laterally from the main root.

2. Which Plants have Stilt Roots?

Answer:

Mangroves, maize and pandanus are the examples of plants that have stilt roots.

3. Why Prop and Stilt are called as Roots?

Answer:

Prop and stilt are known as roots as they arise from other parts of the trees except the radicle. Both prop and stilt roots are adventitious. As regular stems of plants have nodes and internodes but prop and stilt roots do not. Therefore they are known as roots.

4. Why Banyan Tree is considered as Prop Root?

Answer:

Banyan tree is considered as prop root tree because the roots of banyan tree grows from the stem and goes down into the soil. These prop roots transfers water and minerals from the soil and provides a mechanical support for the banyan tree.

5. What is the Difference between Stilt and Pneumatophores?

Answer:

Stilt roots are type of adventitious roots whereas pneumatophores are specialized type of roots. Stilt roots are aerial in nature and grows from the lower nodes of the stem whereas pneumatophores