Forest Vines to Snow Tussocks: The Story of New Zealand Plants
Prop Roots
Prop Roots
In the swamp maire the primary root in young plants often atrophies or becomes weak, and prop roots develop from the base of the trunk to provide the root system of the adult tree. In young trees the space between the base of the trunk and the ground is readily observable (Fig. 14).
The nikau palm may also produce a fringe of slender prop roots a little above ground level.