Aerenchyma (IMAGE) Penn State Caption Aerenchyma is the botanical term for large air spaces in the root. Crop varieties that produce root aerenchyma have metabolically cheaper roots that are better able to explore the soil. Credit Jonathan Lynch; Penn State Usage Restrictions Non commercial use only License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.