Cypress knee

Okay, so imagine you are in a forest with a lot of big trees called cypress trees, which grow in the water. Sometimes you might see bumps sticking out of the water near these trees. These bumps are called cypress knees!

Cypress trees are very special because they are able to live in wet and swampy areas. Their roots need a lot of oxygen to breathe, but in swampy areas, there isn't much air in the soil. So, the cypress trees grow knee-like structures above the ground to get oxygen.

This is kind of like how people wear masks to protect themselves from bad air. The cypress trees have also found a way to protect themselves from getting sick!

Sometimes, people even use cypress knees to make things like furniture and carvings because they have special patterns and shapes. So, next time you go to a swamp or see a cypress tree, make sure to look out for the cool and helpful cypress knees sticking out of the water!