This Metasequoia, @30″ dbh, at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden has this broad ‘flare’ or mantle of roots giving the tree a rigid wide base, much wider than its trunk width, adding considerably to its stability. This trait developed early in primitive trees, that like this one, grew on swampy, wet sites. Other species like Cupressus decurrens and Ficus microhylla have an even more exaggerated mantle.