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Well, they didn't exactly speak...

Writer's picture: CroneCrone

The image is of a Common Lime in flower. Lime, or Linden, is a mixed mag of a tree, They are often planted in towns. Not sure why. Maybe because the respond well to pollarding and can thus be managed. But they have large and potentially disruptive root systems and aphid love them, so there's this constant steam of sticky aphid poo dripping off them. Makes a real mess of your car.


Small Leaved Limes were the main tree of the British woodland until Oaks, Ashes, Elms and Beeches seemingly crowded them out. This Common Lime has broad leaves.


The flowers have a relaxing and soothing fragrance and are often used in tisanes. Just walking through the park to check the Crows (very few) was a calming experience.


I had visited my favourite tree and heard the breeze in her branches by leaning against her trunk and had also visited the baby Poplar suckers outside the copse. I know they'll get mowed down in harvest and I want to rescue them. I knelt and buried my nose in their sweet leaves, wishing them well.


But this is the tree that had most to say: the humble Field Maple.


Firstly, I love the seeds in their little wings. I was thinking of them because the Elm seeds had fallen maybe a month ago. It seems there's always something for birds and beasts to eat, with the trees producing seeds or nuts at different times.


The spots on the leaves seem to be some kind of gall. I have seen them when they have grown up into a multitude of tiny horns, maybe 5mm high. Little creatures must live inside. they affect the trees genes causing the leaves to create these bumps or mounds. At least, I think that's what it is. They are all over the Field Maples and Elms. Can't get through the waxy coat of Poplar leaves or the tough Oak ones.


This image is actually of three Field Maples who have grown together to make this one tree. They 'behave' as one - organising their branches for balance and light as a unit. Amazing, really.


Such generosity of trees.

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maplekey4
Jul 10, 2022

I smelled linden flowers today when I was biking. And I like the tree notes and photos.

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