First, the bare roots have an extraordinary ability to soak up water like blotting paper.它们光裸的根部吸水力极强和吸墨纸不相上下

soak up吸收； 摄取

That child soaks up new facts like a sponge!

那孩子吸收新知识像海绵似的。

These plants suck up moisture from the soil.

这些植物吸收土壤中的水份。

orchids, bromeliads and ferns have taken up this remarkable lifestyle.生存的气生植物有两万种，包括兰花，凤梨和羊齿植物

take up吸收；接纳；开始；从事

When did you take up Japanese as a second foreign language?

你什么时间开始选修日语作为第二语言?

It is necessary for us to take up productive labour.

我们需要从事生产劳动。
Their roots trap falling leaves which eventually rot and provide the plants with their own personal supply of compost.它们用根部收集落叶落叶腐烂之后，成为它们专属的堆肥

provide with供给； 供应；

We are well provided with food and clothing.

我们衣食无缺。

Cows provide us with fresh milk every day.

奶牛每天供给我们鲜牛奶。