Adapt, Survive, Thrive
I'm going to go out on a 'limb' and say the winds affecting the shape and foliage of this tree were coming out of the west.
I know I will never stop being amazed by trees in general, and by what they can endure in different environments. There's so much to learn about how they adapt and thrive despite brutal conditions at times.
Two new (to me) talents of trees are 'adaptive growth' and 'reaction wood'. The former refers to that fact that trees will form more structural root mass on the leeward side which is exposed to strong and persistent prevailing winds. Looking at this photo, I think you can guess which side is leeward.
The latter term 'reaction wood' is a process by which trees that are tilted by strong winds will start to produce modified cells. These cells have different levels of cellulose and/or lignin, which helps to compensate and strengthen the tree. In fact, trees that are grown indoors where there is no wind end up much weaker and don't live as long. Even the common practice of staking new trees can put their long term prospects at risk.
Looking at this weathered tree along the Southern Oregon Coast, I thought of it as a battered warrior. Perhaps even struggling to live. In reality, this beautiful tree is likely stronger than most and full of character because of what it's had to endure. I feel like there's a lesson to be learned here....
Image with my Hasselblad 500cm
Adapt, Survive, Thrive
I'm going to go out on a 'limb' and say the winds affecting the shape and foliage of this tree were coming out of the west.
I know I will never stop being amazed by trees in general, and by what they can endure in different environments. There's so much to learn about how they adapt and thrive despite brutal conditions at times.
Two new (to me) talents of trees are 'adaptive growth' and 'reaction wood'. The former refers to that fact that trees will form more structural root mass on the leeward side which is exposed to strong and persistent prevailing winds. Looking at this photo, I think you can guess which side is leeward.
The latter term 'reaction wood' is a process by which trees that are tilted by strong winds will start to produce modified cells. These cells have different levels of cellulose and/or lignin, which helps to compensate and strengthen the tree. In fact, trees that are grown indoors where there is no wind end up much weaker and don't live as long. Even the common practice of staking new trees can put their long term prospects at risk.
Looking at this weathered tree along the Southern Oregon Coast, I thought of it as a battered warrior. Perhaps even struggling to live. In reality, this beautiful tree is likely stronger than most and full of character because of what it's had to endure. I feel like there's a lesson to be learned here....
Image with my Hasselblad 500cm