Abstract
BACKGROUND: In epiphytic bromeliads, the roots were previously considered to be poorly functional organs in the processes of absorption and metabolization of water and nutrients, while the leaves were considered to always act as protagonists in both functions. More recent discoveries have been changing this old view of the root system. SCOPE: In this review, we address previous ideas regarding the function performed by the roots of epiphytic bromeliads (mere holdfast structures with low physiological activity) and the importance of a reduced or lack of a root system for the emergence of epiphytism. We present indirect and direct evidence that contradicts this older hypothesis. Furthermore, the importance of the root absorptive function mainly for juvenile tankless epiphytic bromeliads and the characteristics of the root absorption process of adult epiphytic tank bromeliads are discussed thoroughly from a physiological perspective. Finally, some factors (species, substrate, environmental conditions) that influence the absorptive capability of the roots of epiphytic tank bromeliads are also be considered, highlighting the importance that the absorptive role of the roots has for the plasticity of bromeliads that live on trees, which is an environment characterized by intermittent availability of water and nutrients. CONCLUSIONS: The roots of tank-forming epiphytic bromeliads play important roles in the absorption and metabolization of nutrients and water. The importance of roots is greatest for juvenile tankless bromeliads since the root is the main absorptive organ. In larger plants with a tank, although the leaves become the protagonists in the resource acquisition process, the roots complement the absorptive function of the leaf trichomes, resulting in improved growth of these bromeliad. The physiological and biochemical properties of the processes of absorption and distribution of resources in the tissues appear to differ between absorption by trichomes and roots.