It may act like the large scales of Tillandsia , which are opaque when dry and translucent when wet. Scallion A Tap root has a dominant primary root and lateral roots which are produced in a regular sequence. Fibrous root systems do not have a dominant Primary root. They have many principal roots which appear to be equivalent. Branching in a Fibrous Root system may appear to be be less organized than in a Tap Root system.
Root systems are extensive.
Leaf litter is quickly digested by soil microbes in the tropics. There is a lot of competition for nutrients among these roots. The roots are prone to damage by large animals like feral pigs.