When is a tree not a tree...?

[Mick Stockbridge]

Theres loads of it down this way. I think its something to do with the mild wet winters weve been having, up until this year at least.

[David Humphries]

Theres loads of it down this way. I think its something to do with the mild wet winters weve been having, up until this year at least.

 

 

 

How close is that picture to Gatwick, Mick?

 

 

 

 

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[Mick Stockbridge]

How close is that picture to Gatwick, Mick?

 

 

 

 

.

 

50 miles I guess, Its a quarter of a mile from my house in Rainham. I could take endless photo,s of the stuff round my way. Same tree different angle.

[log supplier]

have you seen how much that stuff sells for at the christmas markets

 

tenburry wells

[Bundle 2]

Dont mean to cast "nasturtions" on your explanation Tony and I am sure this may well be the mechanism for establishment of mistletoe but I have always understood that seeds are a self contained entity. Capable of sustaining initial development ( production of roots and designed with two small leaflets...I forget the scientific term atm ) but crucially able to make available the energy required for growth in first stages.....

The seeds are apparently quite sticky and are wiped by the birds from the beaks ( this requires some persistence ) It is this mechanism that lodges the seeds in place...although as you say, bird crap probably plays its part also....

When in the Australian wilderness parks and such I was aware of a great deal of mistletoe in the euclyp sclerafell in certain regions.....

[Tom D]

I have always understood that seeds are a self contained entity. Capable of sustaining initial development ( production of roots and designed with two small leaflets...I forget the scientific term atm ) but crucially able to make available the energy required for growth in first stages.....

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Aren't most seeds like this?

[Bundle 2]

By design Tom yes, they are indeed....if this is no longer the case we refer to them as being no longer "viable "....My point being that bird crap is not a requirement for germination or establishment....

[Peter]

designed with two small leaflets...I forget the scientific term atm )

 

Dicotelydon? Or my local kebab shop, I seem to get two small leaflets from them most weeks.

[Amelanchier]

By design Tom yes, they are indeed....if this is no longer the case we refer to them as being no longer "viable "....My point being that bird crap is not a requirement for germination or establishment....

 

However, some seeds do have the requirement of being passed through the digestive system of a bird / mammal before they become 'viable' - scarification. Therefore bird crap is fairly essential in those circumstances!