Introduction:
Screw pine, also known as Pandanus, is a unique plant species with multiple root caps. Despite having adventitious roots, screw pine possesses these root caps. To understand why this occurs, we need to examine the anatomy and growth pattern of screw pine roots.

Adventitious Roots:
Adventitious roots are roots that arise from non-root tissues, such as stems or leaves, rather than from the primary root system. Screw pine is characterized by its adventitious roots, which emerge from the base of the stem and grow downward into the soil. These roots provide stability and support to the plant, especially in environments with high winds or poor soil conditions.

Root Caps:
Root caps are protective coverings that develop at the tip of the root. They play a crucial role in root growth and protection. The root cap consists of multiple layers of cells, with the outermost layer called the calyptrogen.

Multiple Root Caps in Screw Pine:
Screw pine exhibits a unique feature where it possesses multiple root caps. This phenomenon can be attributed to the presence of many calyptrogens or multiple radicles.

Explanation:
1. Calyptrogens: Screw pine roots have multiple calyptrogens, which are responsible for the formation of root caps. These calyptrogens develop from the pericycle, a layer of cells located just inside the endodermis of the root. The calyptrogens divide and differentiate to form the layers of the root cap.

2. Root Cap Formation: As the screw pine root grows, new calyptrogens are produced continuously, resulting in the formation of multiple root caps along the length of the root. Each calyptrogen gives rise to a distinct root cap, which provides protection to the growing root tip.

3. Advantages: The presence of multiple root caps in screw pine offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Protection: The multiple layers of root caps provide increased protection to the delicate root tip, shielding it from mechanical damage and pathogens.
- Improved Functioning: The presence of multiple root caps allows for efficient nutrient absorption and water uptake, as each cap contributes to the overall root function.
- Adaptability: Screw pine often grows in challenging environments, such as coastal areas with poor soil conditions. The multiple root caps provide adaptability and resilience to the plant, enabling it to thrive in such habitats.

Conclusion:
Screw pine exhibits the unique characteristic of having multiple root caps despite having adventitious roots. This is due to the presence of multiple calyptrogens or radicles that continuously produce new root caps along the growing root. These multiple root caps provide enhanced protection, improved functioning, and adaptability to the screw pine, allowing it to thrive in diverse environments.