Spanish sun – Sarsaparilla root

Roots are the underground arm of plants, absorbing and transporting water and minerals to the stems and leaves. Here we see roots in section, a microscopic view that classifies flowering plants into dicots and monocots. These flowering plants belong to the genus Smilax, and are common in temperate zones. As a monocot, they can make true wood.

The mandala is a spiritual symbol or diagram used to aid meditation and relaxation. The regular pattern of the root can have a similarly mesmerising effect.