Thursday 20 February 2014

Fasciation

Fasciation is something I was only vaguely aware of until I read about it in a post written by fellow-blogger Sara at Hilwards, last December. When fasciation occurs in a plant, a stem which is normally roughly cylindrical becomes flattened and ribbon-like. I had noticed some time ago that I have a good example of this in my flowering cherry tree (Prunus Autumnalis "Subhirtella"). In a recent spell of sunshine, I decided to take a closer look:


The affected twig starts off with a 360-degree contortion reminiscent of a pig's tail:


Having finally decided the direction in which it wishes to grow, it then heads off in a pattern that sees it gradually transform from cylindrical to ribbon-like, and increasing in diameter:


Somehow the twig still manages to produce flower buds:


So far, the twig is about 2 feet long, but presumably it is continuing to grow. I wonder how wide it will get?


In order to take my photos without looking up into the sun I had to take the kitchen step-ladder outside. This enabled me to see aspects of the cherry tree that I don't normally see, like this tiny "moss garden" nestling in the crook of a branch:


I think this is amply demonstrates the idea that if you only look at something from a distance you usually see just one thing, but when you look closer you see lots of other things as well!

11 comments:

  1. Interesting.... I've never seen this phenomenon.

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  2. interesting behaviour..., i suppose it's one of many tantrums plants can show. I had one bakawali plant with stem twisting itself like a spring..., funny and yet marvellous to look at.

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  3. I though all little boys liked to climb trees not use step=ladders. I love to get to see things close -up. I think taking photographs opens up a world that you would otherwise miss.

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  4. It's particularly interesting to see it in a tree, where it will persist for more than one season. It will be intriguing to watch how it develops.

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  5. Very interesting, Mark. Keep us posted if it gets huge. My imagination has already gotten it wide enough to build a tree house on!! Whoa!

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  6. I have read about it but have never seen it happen in real life. Would you cut it out or are you planning to keep it?

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    1. I'm certainly planning to leave it and see how it develops. I think it has been there for a couple of years already.

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  7. Interesting subject, great shots.

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  8. Fascinating. I wonder what causes it.

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  9. Oh you are good - I'd have had my secateurs out and tidied that poor branch up in an instant!! Lovely close up photos, Mark - are you joining in the tree following meme promoted by Loose and Leafy? This tree would make a great subject!

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