Cypress trees produce above ground “breathing” roots called cypress knees that may protrude above the water line or on the outskirts of the cypress domes. The soils where cypress grow are usually saturated with water and, as a consequence, are oxygen deficient. Roots require oxygen and thus the unique breathing “knees” are an important adaptation of these trees. Also associated with the cypress are a large number of epiphytes, plants which grow on the tree, but do not feed off of the tree (comes from the Latin words which mean “upon plant.”). Some examples include bromeliads, orchids, and ferns. You can usually see where the natural water line is by looking at the marks left on the trees and knees.
Cypress dome in dry conditions
This cache is part of the UCF Arboretum tour series.
This cache is part of the UCF Arboretum tour series.
When logging your find please also include the number of people in your party and we also love to see photos of you or your group at play. We hope you enjoy the arboretum and learn something useful from the UCF Arboretum Geocache series.