I probably should not have called them 'sucker' roots. In reality, the perform the same function as 'normal' roots - take up moisture and nutrients and provide an anchor for the plant mass. Roots increase their surface area by getting longer and thicker, but also by branching. (Some growers actually force branching with the machete technique - that is, they'll cut off a foot or more roots on a plant that has 5 to 6 foot long roots).
The very hard, woody roots on your plant are probably no longer alive so it wouldn't hurt to snip them off at the base.
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