Sinningia cooperi

Sinningia cooperi is epiphytic -- that is, it grows in the notches along tree branches and trunks where organic material accumulates. The stems sprawl along the branches or hang from them.

The tuber can provide a little advantage for an epiphyte, which must be prepared to survive periods of drought, not having roots into the soil to provide moisture during such times. Sinningia douglasii is another sometimes epiphyte.

Presumably, this tuber is almost totally exposed in nature, since there is no soil for it to bury itself in. Note the large number of buds ready to sprout should anything happen to the main shoot.

A picture of a plant shows the sprawling habit.