Copper Beech with different bark

[hesslemount]

Has anyone else noticed some European Copper beech trees having different bark texture that is more textured, almost ribbed? I believe this to be Fagus sylvatica f. Purpurea or am I mid-identifying? It’s growing right next to a copper beech with normal smooth nark. I’ve seen this on a few specimens in the South Yorkshire area in domestic gardens.

[Stubby]

1 minute ago, hesslemount said:

Has anyone else noticed some European Copper beech trees having different bark texture that is more textured, almost ribbed? I believe this to be Fagus sylvatica f. Purpurea or am I mid-identifying? It’s growing right next to a copper beech with normal smooth nark. I’ve seen this on a few specimens in the South Yorkshire area in domestic gardens.

Yes .

[AJStrees]

Seen normal beech with more ribbed bark next to smooth barked. Not sure what the difference is. 

[hesslemount]

16 minutes ago, AJStrees said:

Seen normal beech with more ribbed bark next to smooth barked. Not sure what the difference is. 

I can’t understand such intraspecific dimorphism within the exact same location and growing conditions. 

[AJStrees]

Indeed 👍

[hesslemount]

[daltontrees]

This vertical fissuring may be (probably is) as a result of the insect Cryptococcus fagisuga (Beech Scale or Felted Beech Coccus).

[hesslemount]

On 05/10/2022 at 10:05, daltontrees said:

This vertical fissuring may be (probably is) as a result of the insect Cryptococcus fagisuga (Beech Scale or Felted Beech Coccus).

A defence mechanism? 

[daltontrees]

1 hour ago, hesslemount said:

A defence mechanism? 

A growth deformity. Perhaps it helps the tree in some way to defend agaisnt damage, but if anything it seems to suit the Cryptococcus by creating a more sheltered substrate.