What would happen then if you took a tree which only has leaves at the top and submerged it to just under the leaves? Does the bark need to be exposed to air as well or would it just rot out like timber does?
Depends on the tree and type of water I assume
youtube.com/watch?v=twjPo2Luk5A
Mangrove trees live submerged in saltwater for example. This video also goes over some of the adaptations it has to do that (ex. Special roots to allow it to stand upright in soft unstable ground)
This is a mangrove, right?
Also aren’t there those alligator forests in America with lots of flooded trees.
Bayou is the word but those trees are usually only covered the first few feet by water unless it’s flooding.
Alligator Forest is the new word, calling it.
breakfastmtn@lemmy.ca 6 months ago
It would die. The roots need to do gas exchange too. Ideal soil composition is generally 45% mineral, ~25% water, ~25% air, and 5% organic matter.
Tree bark also does gas exchange.