Roots
are the Rodney Dangerfields
of Science. They don’t get much respect! However, you must know how
important these are, in terms of individual plants and ecosystems. We can gain some
insight about this when we see the exposed roots of trees that have been unearthed by
floods, landslides or hurricanes.
I
have often looked at trees that grow on sheer cliffs in the Rockies and here with
wonder. How can
they possibly grow there without being lost to gravity? I got a partial answer one day
when I noticed a fairly large shrub clinging to a sheer cliff-face at the Pali lookout. It
had thick roots which doubtless had secondary growth. These were splayed over the rock
face and gave support and anchorage. Smaller roots probably penetrate cracks in the cliff
where they anchor the plant as well as absorb nutrients. Mist usually hovers around this
cliff. This probably allows this plant to grow in an otherwise barren environment.
However, the roots play an amazing and essential role in the survival of this plant.
|
 |
| The roots of this large Leguminous
tree show clear signs of Secondary Growth |
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