This is one stubborn tree. Would have been a perfect topic for the "Survival" mini challenge. Found it growing out of a almost solid granite ledge. The "photographic" quality of the images isn't great, these are more "documentary" type photos, not looking for artistic merit, just admiration for the tenacity of life.
All taken with the DS and the kit lens.
Slightly closer, the root crossing horizontally above the tree also belongs to this tree.
Closer still showing the roots going both up and down in search of water and soil.
Close up of the descending roots showing how they're wedging themselves into that crack.
The tree btw is a Black Birch (betula lenta) other wise known as Sweet Birch. The small green twigs have a sweet "wintergreen" taste to them, especially in the spring. The sap is the main ingredient in "birch beer".
NaCl(who said a Forestry degree is useless?)H2O +