Fig. 5.

Root branches of three architecturally diverse, co‐occurring subtropical species, demonstrating the functional classification approach (i.e. absorptive and transport fine roots) and the variable number of morphometric (centripetal) fine‐root orders that fall below different diameter cut‐offs (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mm). Schima superba (top left) with up to five root orders ≤ 0.5 mm, including both absorptive and transport fine roots, Choerospondias axillaris (middle) with three root orders ≤ 0.5 mm and only including absorptive fine roots, and Cinnamomum austrosinense (bottom right) with no roots ≤ 0.5 mm. Black, absorptive fine roots; grey, transport fine roots (modified after McCormack et al., 2015a).