Data for: The function of stilt roots in the growth strategy of Socratea exorrhiza (Arecaceae) at two neotropical sites

<p>We provide the raw and processed data used in the following study: Goldsmith, G. R., &amp; Zahawi, R. A. (2007). The function of stilt roots in the growth strategy of Socratea exorrhiza (Arecaceae) at two neotropical sites. <em>Revista de Biolog&iacute;a Tropical</em>, <em>55</em>(3-4), 787-793.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong> can be found in the file entitled &quot;README-GoldsmithZahawi-SocrateaData-5Mar23F.txt,&quot; while metadata for data columns can be found in the file entitled: &quot;GoldsmithZahawi-SocrateaMetaData-5March2023.csv.&quot;</p> <p><strong>Original Published Abstract</strong>: Arboreal palms have developed a variety of structural root modifications and systems to adapt to the<br> harsh abiotic conditions of tropical rain forests. Stilt roots have been proposed to serve a number of functions<br> including the facilitation of rapid vertical growth to the canopy and enhanced mechanical stability. To examine<br> whether stilt roots provide these functions, we compared stilt root characteristics of the neotropical palm tree<br> Socratea exorrhiza on sloped (&gt;20&ordm;) and flat locations at two lowland neotropical sites. S. exorrhiza (n=80 trees)<br> did not demonstrate differences in number of roots, vertical stilt root height, root cone circumference, root cone<br> volume, or location of roots as related to slope. However, we found positive relationships between allocation<br> to vertical growth and stilt root architecture including root cone circumference, number of roots, and root cone<br> volume. Accordingly, stilt roots may allow S. exorrhiza to increase height and maintain mechanical stability<br> without having to concurrently invest in increased stem diameter and underground root structure. This strategy<br> likely increases the species ability to rapidly exploit light gaps as compared to non-stilt root palms and may also<br> enhance survival as mature trees approach the theoretical limits of their mechanical stability.</p>