I really don't think it is that as much as an undiscovered phenomenon that has been happening the same way for a very long time but has until now gone undetected. I think one of the reasons that this particular thing has not been observed (or reported) is that in the tropics there are large vines of different species growing up many of the trees, and the root of a cycad could very easily just blend in and look like one of those vines. The plant in that article just happened to become dislodged and was hanging by the taproot -- which is how this particular characteristic was discovered.
Jody
Still quite an interesting adaptation, can only imagine what it must be like to see these habitats in person.
(closest I've been to the tropics is Florida, and that was over 25 years ago 😀
Steve
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Moving along........
Steve
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Some updated photos,
Steve
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Nice, Steve, congrats.
Barb
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If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
Thanks Barb, here's one with a first set of leaves.
Steve
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Obviously you give them optimum conditions, Steve, for them to flourish like that.
Beautifully done.
Barb
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If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.