Tag: Seed of the Week (Page 142 of 142)

Seed of the Week: Cork Oaks

Last week for the mystery seed of the week I showed a photograph of an acorn. I’m surprised I didn’t get any comments from botanical types, because the acorn itself isn’t a seed. Generally one or two seeds are found inside the acorn casing.

Acorns come in many sizes and shapes, depending on what kind of oak tree they come from. There are over 200 species of oaks found in North America, but the species I’m going to show you today comes from the Mediterranean region. It is the cork oak, Quercus suber.

When my son and I read that cork oaks can grow in Arizona, I immediately called a botanically-minded friend. Yes, she knew where we could see one growing. We hopped in the car.

The first thing you notice about this glorious tree is its unusual bark. The cork bark is used for bulletin boards, flooring, gaskets, and wine corks. As long as it is removed carefully, without touching the cambium underneath, harvesting cork does not harm the tree.

This tree had a rich history. It was planted during WWII when cork was in high demand, but the supplies were largely cut off.

The tree has a lovely, open growth form with gracefully draping branches. I’m afraid my photos were not able to capture its elegant beauty.

Each acorn contains a wrinkly, veined seed.

Aren’t seeds marvelous? Have you ever seen a cork oak?

The Story of Ferdinand

When I see cork oaks, I always think of the book about Ferdinand the Bull with its delightful, whimsical illustrations of the corks on the trees.

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Seed of the Week: Acacia salicina

Did anyone guess last week’s mystery seed?

These seeds are from Acacia salicina, a tree native to Australia but also grown in the southwestern United States. It has various common names, one of which is “willow acacia,” because of its draping, willow-like appearance.

The powderpuff blossoms attract bees and butterflies.

After pollination, the flowers produce these:

Any guesses what the bright red or orange fleshy structures next to the seeds are? Those are very interesting. They are called “elaiosomes,” meaning literally “oily bodies.” The tail-like parts are like a brightly-colored potato chip stuck to the seed. The birds eat the potato chip part and often carry off the seed with it. They drop the seed unharmed when they are done. The seed is thus moved away from its parent or dispersed. Botanically the structure is called an “aril,” which has to do with what part of the plant the elaiosome is derived from.

For a great deal more information about the genus Acacia, see The Unforgettable Acacias

And now, without further ado, the:

I was a little easier on you this week. What kind of plant grows from a seed like this?

If you’d like more information on trees, try these books:

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Seed of the Week: Mystery Seed

Seeds come in a wonderful variety of colors, sizes and shapes. I am thinking of adding a Seed of the Week series on Tuesdays, occasionally making them a mystery like I do with the Bug of the Week.

Any idea what kind of plant these seeds comes from?

What do you think? Do you like seeds too?

Edit: Check the answer here.

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