Root structures in the caves and overhangs in the Kaňon Labe National Nature Reserve

Abstract

Specific root structures with negative geotropism (growing upwards) are called root stalagmites. They are an interesting phenomenon of sandstone landscapes and usually occur in the aphotic zone inside caves or in debris.

The paper describes seven localities with specific root structures in the Kaňon Labe (Elbe Canyon) National Nature Reserve (northern Bohemia, Czech Republic). They include altogether 25 root stalagmites and 4 root stalagnates which were found during the years 2009-2013.

Keywords

• root stalagmite
• pseudokarst caves
• Elbe canyon
• sandstone landscape