The seeds of the mystery seed this week are found in little “baskets.”
Just watch out for those hairs, they itch.
Can you guess what plant these seeds are from?
Edit:Â The answer is now posted.
Month: July 2010 (Page 2 of 6)
When I found these keys/seeds, technically samaras, I had no idea what current events they represent.
The samaras are from an ash tree.
Several different species of ash trees grow in Arizona, all in the genus Fraxinus.
Ash trees are prized for their wood. In fact, ash wood is used for baseball bats.
Ash tree leaves are pinnate compound, which means they are made up of leaflets.
The leaves themselves are opposite each other, forming a V-shape with the main branch.
If you aren’t sure whether you have an ash tree, try this Ash Identification page.
The reason ash trees are in the news is because in certain regions they are being attacked by an insect. The emerald ash borer arrived in Michigan in 2002 and has been spreading and killing trees ever since.
(Photograph Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org found at Forestry Images)
Although the adult beetles are lovely, the larvae or grubs feeding on the trees under the bark is fatal to the tree. People are concerned that the ash trees will experience a similar devastation as occurred with the chestnut trees and elm trees in the past. In fact there is now a great effort being put into saving seeds of the remaining ash trees in the regions effected.
The emerald ash tree borer website has more information about the beetle and its spread. The main thing they are asking people to do is not to move ash tree firewood from place to place, as that moves the beetle larvae that live inside the wood.
We are going to plant some of the ash samaras we found. Sounds like ash trees could use all the help they can get.
What kind of ash trees grow where you live?
Did you ever wish you could take your children on a walk in the woods, but for whatever reason it was not possible? Here in Arizona when the temperature exceeds 115°F, we start looking for alternatives to a hike outside. Here are a few places for fun and educational virtual hikes. If nothing else these sites can give you ideas for things to do during actual walks.
Designed with children in mind:
The Smithsonian National Zoo has “A Walk in the Forest” with six different animated walks. One allows you to take soil samples and measure soil pH. Another helps you learn how to identify trees using keys. Each is led by an animation of a real employee of the zoo. How cool is that!
University of Illinois Extension has a virtual walk in the woods and Secret life of trees. Both show photographs of actual forests. There’s a teacher’s guide with ideas, resources and many extras.
For children or adults:
Ever wanted to visit a redwood forest? Muir Woods has a virtual tour. There are 92 photographs, and you get to choose where you look next. The virtual tour always has good weather.
Florida Hikes has slide shows from various Florida parks.Check out the giant snails at Pine Land. Isn’t fun to see how different the landscape is at the different parks?
Finally, YouTube has a number of videos of walks. I like this one because the tour guide discusses, what else, science!
Hope you enjoy these virtual walks in the woods, and can talk your own walk soon.
Where’s your favorite place for a hike?
For more information, see Roberta Gibson Writes.