Abstract
Root distribution and characteristics were investigated on a 70-year-old Tamarix taklamakanensis individual through uprooting. Rooting depth was restricted by water table, and root morphology adapted to resist the wind movement associated with shallow rooting. Root systems had more structural root mass and length on the leeward side than the windward side of the tree relative to the prevailing wind direction. Additional resistance to wind bending can occur as a result of increased thickening of the lower stem along the axis of the prevailing wind direction, and in T. taklamakanensis, this thickening is greater on the lee side of the stem. We conclude that increased root distribution and thickening of the lower stem on the leeward are an important strategy for T. taklamakanensis in response to wind action in the hinterland of Taklimakan Desert.
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Supported by Key Direction Project of the Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. KZCX3-SW-342-02), Research Developing Planning Program of National High and New Technology of China (Grant No. 2004BA901A21-1)
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Liu, G., Zhang, X., Li, X. et al. Adaptive growth of Tamarix taklamakanensis root systems in response to wind action. Chin. Sci. Bull. 53 (Suppl 2), 164–168 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-008-6019-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-008-6019-y