Column Roots

Pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) forms aerial roots very readily, which run down the trunk to the ground. Sometimes it forms column roots from more-or-less horizontal branches. Except where the trees have a semi-sprawling habit on coastal cliffs, these roots often do not reach the ground, but branch profusely at the lower end to give a straw broom effect (Fig. 15). Similar roots can be observed in some tropical figs (Ficus).