Creating plant roots / branches ?

How can I create a plant root or branch effect. I saw this example from an
old website I just to like a lot called endpod.com but now it's offline.

I'm guessing it might be an edited image from a real picture but I don't know if
this can be achieved with a photoshop technique. Also I like to learn how can I
create swirly tentacle things like the ones on the top of this page used by teamphotoshop.

Thanks !
-Waltman

looks pretty real to me.

get a pic similar and cut out the part that you want.

desaturate the part then open variations and mix colour until you are satisfied.

then play with brightness/contrast and saturation until you gat the desired effect.

oooor.....I'm going to go out on a limb here....make them yourself.

you could use the pen tool to trace a real branch/root thinghy, add stuff to it, remove stuff, play around and then color it.... and smudge it...and make it nice and pretty and say you made it yourself...not stolen somebody else's drawing...

Well thanks for the ideas guys. I thought there was a more complex procedure to that,
but I'll try and experiment a little.