BUTTRESSROOT
Buttress root
Buttress roots are large roots on all sides of a shallowly rooted tree. Typically, they are found in nutrient-poor rainforest soils and do not penetrate to deeper layers. Almost all types of mangroves have these type of roots. They prevent the tree from falling over while also gathering more nutrients. Buttresses are tension elements, being larger on the side away from the stress of asymmetrical canopies. The roots may interwind with buttress roots from other trees and create an intricate mesh, which may help support trees surrounding it. They can grow up to 30 feet tall and spread for 30 metres above the soil then for another 30 metres below. When the roots ...The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Buttress root
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