In this first post I've chosen the trunk of Sequoiadendron giganteum. In Britain this tree is often know by the common name of Wellingtonia after the Duke of Wellington who had died just before the tree was introduced in 1853.
Although the Giant Redwood is not the tallest tree in the world (this accolade goes to the Coast Redwood), it can grow to around 100 metres tall and can survive for over 3000 years and mature specimens are certainly very impressive to look at. I found this trunk special because when you knock on the red-brown bark there is a real dull thudding sound. This is not surprising considering that the bark can be 2-3 foot deep in places; which not only makes the bark soft and fibrous, but also of no interest for forestry usage.
As you can see, this specimen is providing a habitant for other organisms, with lichen, moss and algae growing in various places around this
What a cool idea! Really looking forward to reading this series.
ReplyDeleteThanks Hollis! Hope I can live up to your expectations :)
DeleteNo expectations, Tim! This is the blogosphere, so fun is higher priority :-)
DeletePhew! :D
DeleteI love looking at bark on trees, I think that's what got me started tree hunting, the bark on the Ash tree is one of my favourites...
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
It's really rewarding, isn't it! The closer a person looks, the more there is too see and appreciate. Hope you're well, Amanda.
DeleteWow, 3-4 ft deep bark. That's amazing. I love bark too. My favourites are a toss between Acer griseum and Prunus serrula. I look forward to being introduced to more in this series.
ReplyDeleteAcer griseum is very beautiful. I'm looking forward to continuing the series and hope that you find the others as enjoyable.
DeleteGreat idea for a series of posts! I've always been fascinated by tree trunks/bark. Some bark is stunning from a distance, some more so on closer examination. The lichens and mosses really give it character. I remember seeing the Giant Sequoias several times at Yosemite National Park in California. They're amazing! I'll look forward to this series on your blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks, me too - I don't know why it took me so long to get round to learning a bit more about tree trunks. I bet it's amazing to see a stand of them, there are only 1 or 2 where I took the photo.
DeleteHi, I am so happy I found your blog, I think we have much more in common than just an interest for plants and photography :-) As someone living with disability all my life I can relate to everything you write on your posts about living with ME. My main conditions are Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and fibromyalgia, but the list is getting longer and longer every year. My garden gets me out of bed, if not every day then at least most of the time. And like you, I no longer have hanging baskets! I have barely dipped my toe into your blog, will be back for more sometime later. Happy Gardening!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog and such a lovely comment. I'm sorry to hear that you're so ill, although from the photos on your blog, it looks like you really make the most of every day. Happy Gardening!
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