Origin of unusual tension stress in the aerial root of Ficus species-Structure and biomechanics of strangler trees

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In this study, the survival strategy of strangler plants was investigated from the viewpoint of tissue mechanics. Release strain measurements were conducted on the aerial roots of Ficus benjamina Lour. and Ficus elastica Roxb. to understand stress generation in aerial roots. Regardless of whether the roots are small roots that are directly attached to the ground (Type I), small roots that have merged with other roots without reaching the ground (Type II), or large roots that are directly attached to the ground (Type III), all gave negative strain values indicating that they were under tensile stress prior to measurements. Such strains were inversely affected by the strain gauge distance from the root attachment (either to the ground or to other roots) and by the root diameter. Tensile stresses emanated from the gelatinous fibers found near the pith of the roots. The gelatinous layer in aerial root showed a typical morphology and strength as observed in the tension wood xylem of the stem.