bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Anyone in Bald Cypress country?

BC knees are part of the tree's root system. They are, according to one of the definitive books written on the species ("Baldcypress, The Tree Unique, The Wood Eternal") made up totally of root tissue.

They are also apparently specialized tissue that can store considerable amounts of starches sent down from the upper part of the tree as glucose. ALthough no exact determination has been made as to their function, the book concludes knees are specialized storage centers for starches and not for structural support or for "breathing" as had been previously supposed.

Since you're dealing with specialized tissues meant to perform a function, I think there might be some difficulty in getting a branch graft to take.

Another difficulty is the root system to support the knee, as they are part of the root system themselves. To collect one successfully, you'd have to collect feeder roots along with it. You can't simply lop one off at ground level and work from there.

BC is an extremely interesting species. If you have one or want one as a bonsai, I'd highly recommend getting the above mentioned book. It will open your eyes to some of the particular quirks and habits of the species.

4-Dec-2007	#7
rockm bonsaiTALK ArchMaster Join Date: Oct-2003 Location: Fairfax, Va Country: USA USDA Zone: 7 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 4,561	BC knees are part of the tree's root system. They are, according to one of the definitive books written on the species ("Baldcypress, The Tree Unique, The Wood Eternal") made up totally of root tissue. They are also apparently specialized tissue that can store considerable amounts of starches sent down from the upper part of the tree as glucose. ALthough no exact determination has been made as to their function, the book concludes knees are specialized storage centers for starches and not for structural support or for "breathing" as had been previously supposed. Since you're dealing with specialized tissues meant to perform a function, I think there might be some difficulty in getting a branch graft to take. Another difficulty is the root system to support the knee, as they are part of the root system themselves. To collect one successfully, you'd have to collect feeder roots along with it. You can't simply lop one off at ground level and work from there. BC is an extremely interesting species. If you have one or want one as a bonsai, I'd highly recommend getting the above mentioned book. It will open your eyes to some of the particular quirks and habits of the species.