Analyzing Site Suitability for Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) Regeneration Along a Hydrologic Gradient in South Louisiana Swamps

Rutherford, Marcus

doi:10.31390/gradschool_theses.3709

Cited by 1 publication

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“…The outcomes of this paper are consistent with a number of qualitative and quantitative earlier observations. For example, it was shown earlier that cypress knees lessen the storm runoff capabilities of streams Miroslaw-Swiatek and Amatya (2017) and since baldcypress seeds are most likely to germinate in regions of sediment exposed during flood drawdown Demaree (1932); Titus (1990); Rutherford (2015), an elevated downstream region would act as a prime location for its seeds to germinate. Additionally, baldcypress seedling mortality was tied to the elevation at which they germinate, with seedling death occurring after 60 days of submergence Conner et al (1986); Souther and Shaffer (2000); Middleton (2000).…”

Section: Empirical Supportmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geomorphodynamics, evolution, and ecology of vertical roots

Heidelman

Vural

2023

Front. Plant Sci.

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The roots of some coastal and wetland trees grow peculiar vertical protrusions, the function of which remains unclear. Here, using computational simulations based on first-principles fluid and sedimentation dynamics, we argue that the protrusions work together to create an elevated patch of sediment downstream of the tree, thereby creating its own fertile flood-protected breeding grounds for the seedlings. In our simulations, we vary the vertical root diameter, root spacing and total root area and show that there is an optimal vertical root spacing that depends on root thickness. Next, we quantify and discuss the cooperative effects between adjacent vertical root patches. Lastly, by varying vertical root spacing of a patch of trees, we estimate a maximal vegetation density for which vertical-root production has a beneficial geomorphological response. Our hypothesis suggests that vertical roots, such as the ‘knee roots’ of baldcypress trees, have an important role in shaping riparian geomorphology and community structure.

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