September 2, 2024

This is a cone from a Bald Cypress tree

A common conifer in the south east. 

The tree provides shelter for wildlife,

But its roots can bring you to your knees.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=tadi2

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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December 22, 2021

This tree is known as Baldcypress

It lives in the south east in areas that are moist

You will often find them surrounded by knees

Which are conical structures, not achy leg joints. 

Location: Senior League Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/taxodium/distichum.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 15, 2021

This is a typical Florida swamp

In the water you can see knees of Baldcypress

The trees don't kneel down, they stand tall and proud,

Why the knees are there is anyone's guess.

(I always assumed the cypress knees were similar to the Black Mangrove pneumatphores in that they help the plant breathe. But the linked article below describes that this is not so, in fact, scientists do know know the purpose of the knees.)

Location: Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area

Sources: https://kimmerer.com/good-knees-said-baldcypress/

https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/2018/08/august-8-2018.html

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson