Monday, August 01, 2005


If you have ever snorkeled you understand the idea behind cypress knees. The cypress tree grows along river floodplains and in wetlands where the ground is saturated with water. The knees are an adaptation for surviving in such soggy conditions. Posted by Picasa

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've read that about cypress knees, and it makes sense, but we also get them here in comparatively dry Kansas City. Cypress trees growing in open fields, beside parking lots, in gardens, along sidewalks. They all get knees around here. (One neighbor has even cut them off her tree, thinking she planted some mutant tree that is difficult to mow around.) I'd understood that the knees as a sort of respirator for the cypress is still a "best guess" and that no one is really sure what purpose they serve. But I am a landlubber.

Karen Schmautz said...

That is seriously one of the coolest pictures that I have seen on a blog. It looks like a setting for a horror picture.

Seriously...I am envious of all the cool stuff you have on your property. It makes me want to go around my property and take pictures of things on my property that I don't even think about.

You are truly a gem! Keep up the good work and the free education.

R.Powers said...

Pablo,
I think you are right, I stated the best guess as if it were certified, no more doubt fact. I have seen Cypress do quite well on higher ground, but never noticed knees of any size on the drier cypress. I am wondering now just how far north they extend. Thanks for keeping me honest.

Hick,
I have some young cypress on my place that we planted around the pond, but this shot was on the beautiful Suwannee River. Get your camera and get out there!

Juli said...

The Suwannee River is a great place to visit. I canoed there several years ago. Seeing the cypress knees reminded me of the Dead Lakes towards the panhandle. Have you been there? I should post some pics and some info on my blog...

Jeep Wrangler, eh? I have a Rubicon. Where do you go for some Jeep trail driving?

R.Powers said...

A Rubicon and an Electraglide?...you must not have kids! I am a little embarrassed to say I have babied my Jeep and not stressed it much...I have wanted one since...oh I don't know...I guess since Rat Patrol back in the dark ages. As a result, I've been pretty careful not to break it.
Some sand at Matanzas Inlet, some dirt roads in the Ocala NF, and numerous muddy backroads around here are the usual areas for me. I was going to go to Camp Jeep, but the kids needed something..soccer camp, cheer camp, food..I forget what it was now.
I was at the Dead Lakes once several years ago. Neat place.Take care...be careful on that bike.

Suzanne said...

Now I'll be on the hunt for a vintage cypress knee like my daddy used to cut in the sand pond outside Westville, Florida. Peeled and polished and looking all the world like modern sculpture.

Cracker - as the Carpenters used to sing, "You've only just begun...". Think cars, college tuition, etc. YIKES, I have two in college!

Suzanne said...

Now here's the proof that you can find anything on E-bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-Vintage-50s-Cypress-Knee-Lamps-Almost-Matching_W0QQitemZ4397379648QQcategoryZ45508QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

R.Powers said...

Zanne,
Westville? I thought I knew Florida pretty well, but I confess I can't place Westville...

Two in college? Ouch...I will get to experience that in about 2 years.

Suzanne said...

Yeah, Westville.....population 221, west of Two Egg, Florida and east of Ponce de Leon.

R.Powers said...

Zanne,
Okay, I know where Two Egg is. I feel better now.