Once again, it’s time for MrsT’s quizzes to branch out and spread their roots, and this round... you’ve guessed it, its trees! They help regulate our climate and provide food and shelter for a whole host of animals as well as providing us with a variety of resources, we might otherwise take for granted. Let’s face it, what wood (pun intended) the world be without trees? They come in all shapes and sizes, as do the leaves and fruit that they bare and yes, I was one of those kids who loved the school trip to Westonbirt Arboretum. For the next 12 weeks, I will leaf you with a clue or two about trees for you to mulch over.EnjoyMYSTERY TREE QUIZ #4Clue: Back from Hades.
Congratulations to all of you who guessed Aspen (Populus tremula). Let’s start with the clues! First clue: Back from Hades. A crown made of Aspen is said to give its wearer the ability to return and come back from the Underworld. Hades is another name for the underworld. The second clue: Don’t panic, keep calm! Aspen extract is used in Bach Flower remedies to combat fear and anxiety and the clue relates to this affect.
Aspen, can grow up to 25 metres and their grey bark is covered in lenticels, which are diamond shaped pores. Aspen trees can be found in a variety of locations including ancient woodland and Heathland. Aspen leaves are round with irregular blunt teeth. Male and female flowers are found on separate trees. The female flowers are catkins that release fluffy seeds in the summer.
A picture of an Aspen tree is found here.
Did you know that: tremula, the second part of the Latin name for Aspen, means to tremble and this refers to how Aspen leaves react to wind movement. Aspen is often referred to as Quaking aspen.
Keep an eye out for next week’s Mystery tree quiz here soon!
Take care,
Claire
Congrats BW! This was a most enjoyable tree lol!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Well done, BW. You were straight in there without any hesitation, deviation or repetition.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Congrats Birdie, that was brilliant, well worked out !
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Regards, Hazel
no messing there BW
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Well done Birdie. Spot on!
"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom" - Wlliam Blake
One thing this quiz has shown me is how little I know about trees,must try harder.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can