Reality Check: Low-Hanging Banyans
Previously, I asked several questions about living in a massive banyan tree whose branches were about 600 feet up. Though I can't find the comments, I was informed that there would be very high winds at that elevation which would make life very difficult, if not impossible.
So I've redesigned my banyan trees. I want to make sure they can still live and grow properly, and will not be crushed under their own weight. Here's the scenario:
In my fantasy novel, elves live on large plants similar to banyan trees. These trees live in a massive swamp with nearly constant fog. The branches stretch out across the ground, averaging about 20-50 feet above the ground. These branches are supported by regular aerial roots. The branches average ~10 feet in diameter.
Is this scenario realistic?
- Everything else about the planet is earth-like.
- The tree branches need to be able to support their own weight, as well as that of several thousand elves and their cities. All of this will be spread out over the entirety of the tree(s) however.
- I don't know if it matters, but there are also people living beneath the trees.
- A side question is if the tree would get enough light with the constant fog. If not, could it send up vertical branches to sprout leaves above the fog?
- The fog extends upwards 100-600 feet.
- Magic is present, but I would prefer to use it only if I have to. If there is something small that just won't work otherwise, you can handwave it with magic.
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