Final answer:
Aerenchyma are specialized tissues that facilitate gas exchange in the submerged roots of plants, not water transport to the leaves; thus, the statement is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that aerenchyma in the roots of epiphytic plants increase water transport to the leaves is FALSE. In fact, aerenchyma are specialized tissues containing large air spaces found in the root cortex of aquatic plants and some swamp plants, like wild rice and mangroves. These large air spaces provide a path for oxygen to diffuse down to the root tips which are embedded in oxygen-poor bottom tissues. This adaptation helps plants to survive in environments where the soil is unstable and oxygen is scarce. Actually, structures like the xylem vessels are responsible for water transport in plants. Aerenchyma is primarily involved in facilitating gas exchange in the submerged roots of plants.