We have been having beautiful Spring weather here in Fort Worth, Texas, which makes our afternoon walks so enjoyable.
I saw this grouping of unusual formations near the pond on the golf course. They reminded me of when I made mud castles as a child.
Then I realized that they were roots from this tree. I am not sure why they are clumped up like this. Looks like to me they are trying to escape the water? Maybe someone that knows more about plants can explain.
Certainly an unusual root system!
ReplyDeleteI understand this is from the topsoil being too thin. The feeder roots from the tree typically are only 8 to 12 inches underground and if there is not that much topsoil, then they grow above ground somewhat. It actually makes the trees more susceptible to falling over in a strong wind. The tree also grows stabilizer root which grow deep into the ground to anchor the tree. There is in all likelihood very little topsoil around these trees since they are so close to the water. This happens typically when the trees are very old.
ReplyDeleteI've seen tree roots do some very odd things.
ReplyDeleteCypress trees does this around here....SC. We call them cypress knees.
ReplyDeleteWell, I certainly learn things blogging. Thank you Laurie
DeleteIt is an unusual sight indeed.
ReplyDeleteDearest Janey,
ReplyDeleteThat is funny as Pieter and I walked around the lake at our local hospital after visiting the elderly 97-year old friend (I'd printed out the blog post I did about her!) and stopped near such a tree. Pieter explained that they are pneumatophores aerial roots of cypress. We too have planted two cypress and they also have these Cypress knees. You can find some info here: http://utarboretum.tennessee.edu/treeidneedles.htm
Happy weekend to you!
Hugs,
Mariette
PS an excellent photo of those Cypress Knees:https://www.flickr.com/photos/ugardener/8124439355
http://trekohio.com/2013/11/15/bald-cypress-a-deciduous-conifer/
Gosh I've not seen anything like this before Janey, an odd root formation indeed!
ReplyDeleteGosh I've not seen anything like this before Janey, an odd root formation indeed!
ReplyDelete