Botanical Words Alphabetical List - AE

AERATE: 1. to expose to the air 2. to charge with air.

AERATION: An exchange of air in the soil with air from the atmosphere. Earthworms do this as does digging and turning the soil to loosen it.

AERATOR: Any implement that is used to break up compacted soil and facilitate air and gas exchange.

AERATOR SANDALS: Sandal-type shoes or spikes strapped onto regular shoes used to break up compacted soil in lawns.

AERENCHYMA: This is spongy tissue full of air pockets that helps leaves and stems of aquatic plants to float on the surface of the water.

AERIAL ROOT: This is a root that grows from the stems or shoots of a plant and helps to sustain it by absorbing moisture from the air. Many Orchids and other tropical plants have aerial roots.

AEROBIC: Living or acting only in the presence of air.

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