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 #11Clue: Despite being more robust than my relatives, death still surrounds me
Clue: I go with the flow.
Mrs T, are you sure about the clue? We had this clue before, too!
Bente
EDIT: It was on "Mystery Tree #7"
Oh heck. How tired am I. Leave it with me [blush]. On checking, this is the right clue for this tree, I made a faux pas with No.7. Apologies.
I think ClaireM is right. Elm-Wood was used for making ships' keels. And Ray is right with many elm-trees dying because of a disease.
I like Teejay's suggestion - Wych Elm. Apparently the word "wych" is derived from an old english word meaning pliant or supple.
"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom" - Wlliam Blake
Meant to add also that the reference to coffins, Dutch Elm disease and Bente's reference to ship's keels also seem to fit the clues.
I think it must be Elm but which (pun intended), Wych or English.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
lets call it Wynglich Elm lol
Ray
Been playing about with coffin ships
These ships were used for transporting Irish to Canada and America during the potato blight.
a large number died due to cramped conditions and no sanitary provisions
interesting reading but probably nothing to do with the quiz but one never knows
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Answer today folks as I am out of the office tomorrow...Congratulations to all of you who guessed Wych elm (Ulmus glabra). Let’s start with the clues! First clue: Despite being more robust than my relatives, death still surrounds me. Though not immune to Dutch elm disease, Wych elm is strong, durable and hardier than English elm. It is, however, often associated with death and melancholy (can drop dead branches without warning) and its timber is often used for coffins. The second clue: I go with the flow. Long before water main pipes were made of metal, many were made of Wych elm. Wych elm pipes helped water to flow to houses in Exeter, Bristol, Southampton and Hull. Wych elm is water resistant, hence ‘go with the flow’.
Wych elm trees can grow up to 30 metres in height and have toothed leaves that measure 7-16cm in length. Many species of bird eat Wych elm seeds, and the leaves provide food for many moth caterpillars. As per all other elms, Wych elms are hermaphrodites and have both male and female reproductive parts within each flower. The flowers develop into winged fruit that are dispersed by the wind.
A picture of a Wych elm is found here.
Did you know that: Wych elm is the only true native elm to the UK.
Keep an eye out for the last Mystery tree quiz here soon!
Take care,
Claire
well done TJ
Mrs T's description fits both elms so hard luck Claire