Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Cypress knees and cypress trees


The little knobby things growing out of the ground are called Cypress Knees. They provide a way for a cypress tree to "breathe" when under water. Many cypress trees in north central Florida are hundreds of years old. For the first 40 years, they grow at the pace of a normal tree. But from then on, they grow 1.25 inches in diameter every 47 years! You determine how old a cypress tree is from its circumference, not from its height.

Nikon D300, f/3.5, 1/30 sec, ISO 560.

6 comments:

joo said...

Wow, it's amazing - hundred years old trees!
Lovely photo Jacob:)

brattcat said...

Now that's moving at a civilized pace.

Lowell said...

@ Brattcat - You are SO funny!!!

Unknown said...

I know that mangroves have found a 'new' way to breath, but this cypress thing is very clever too!

amatamari© said...

The whole landscape is immersed in a unique atmosphere!
Beautiful shot!

Cindy said...

Hi Jacob. Great shots. Interesting info about the Cypress Trees. We have some growing around the pond across the street. They are tall but not very round.