tree-hug on may 18

I learned some new things during today's tree-hug walk through the woods.

When the trunks, branches or roots of two trees grow together it is called inosculation.  It's similar to grafting.

This happens most commonly in trees of the same species, but can happen across related species.  In this example there is a birch and an oak.

In forestry such trees are referred to as gemels from the Latin word meaning 'a pair'.

Back along the trail I found this little pod, which I thought was some type of seed.

It is actually a gall that houses gall wasp larvae.  This particular one is associated with oak trees and is commonly called an oak apple!  Keep looking, keep learning, treasure the limitless wonders of nature.  💚 Peace