Bald cypress

Taxodium distichum

Description:

This deciduous conifer is also called a swamp cypress. They originate from the southern part of USA. They grow root projections called 'knees'.

Habitat:

A plantation tree at a golf course.

Notes:

I was fascinated by the areal roots, called "knees" and seem to be common to other water logged species. Their function is not certain but the idea to provide oxygen to the roots is not well supported. Here is a link supporting my original suspicion of cedar; http://www.flickr.com/photos/valerie_ess...

1 Species ID Suggestions

AnnaWhipkey 11 years ago

bald cypress

Taxodium distichum Taxodium distichum

6 Comments

MartinL 11 years ago

Thanks Makita and Maria.
The flickr link calls this a cedar as I did, but it seems to be a bald cypress

Maria dB 11 years ago

nice series showing the different parts of the tree!

MartinL 11 years ago

Thank you AnnaWhipkey for your suggestion and link. I think this is clearly the correct ID and have altered my details accordingly.

Eva Varga 11 years ago

I'd guess a cedar as well. Very cool roots ... look like little dwarves. ;)

MartinL 11 years ago

Thanks for the confirmation CoastalJHawk

CoastalJHawk 11 years ago

I think your right and have a cedar. Great series!I like the picture showing the "knees". The leaves and fruit look like the cedars I've seen. I'm just not sure about the specific type of cedar. Great spotting!