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

We provide the raw and processed data used in the following study: Goldsmith, G. R., & Zahawi, R. A. (2007). The function of stilt roots in the growth strategy of Socratea exorrhiza (Arecaceae) at two neotropical sites. Revista de Biología Tropical, 55(3-4), 787-793.

Methods can be found in the file entitled "README-GoldsmithZahawi-SocrateaData-5Mar23F.txt," while metadata for data columns can be found in the file entitled: "GoldsmithZahawi-SocrateaMetaData-5March2023.csv."

Original Published Abstract: Arboreal palms have developed a variety of structural root modifications and systems to adapt to the
harsh abiotic conditions of tropical rain forests. Stilt roots have been proposed to serve a number of functions
including the facilitation of rapid vertical growth to the canopy and enhanced mechanical stability. To examine
whether stilt roots provide these functions, we compared stilt root characteristics of the neotropical palm tree
Socratea exorrhiza on sloped (>20º) and flat locations at two lowland neotropical sites. S. exorrhiza (n=80 trees)
did not demonstrate differences in number of roots, vertical stilt root height, root cone circumference, root cone
volume, or location of roots as related to slope. However, we found positive relationships between allocation
to vertical growth and stilt root architecture including root cone circumference, number of roots, and root cone
volume. Accordingly, stilt roots may allow S. exorrhiza to increase height and maintain mechanical stability
without having to concurrently invest in increased stem diameter and underground root structure. This strategy
likely increases the species ability to rapidly exploit light gaps as compared to non-stilt root palms and may also
enhance survival as mature trees approach the theoretical limits of their mechanical stability.