For Jeremy

[RSL]

The light wasn't cooperating this morning, but here's a closeup of some of the cypress knees at the edge of the pond I shot yesterday. From what I've read, nobody knows why the cypress sends out these knees. They don't take the place of roots, of which the tree has plenty. There are other theories, but they're all just theories. They need to sit down with a cypress and ask the question.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Maybe the Good Lord created those knees just to keep humans guessing.
They are certainly a fascinating phenomenon.

[KLaban]

I wonder if they're just stabilising buttressing, much as is seen in various Ficus species?

[RSL]

Hi, Keith. I think it's possible that's at least part of the reason. Here's "The Pond" again so I can make a point. The pond used to be full all the time, and the water level was about half way up the collection of knees. There are many cypress knees along the river. I've shown them in some of my posts. They always seem to be in the water, and I suspect one thing the knees do is provide a continuous supply of water for the trees.

[KLaban]

Fascinating stuff, Russ.

[Jeremy Roussak]

Very interesting, Russ, and thanks. I bet when the light is more cooperative you'll find some interesting shots of the knees.

Jeremy