Weird Tree formation?

Guinnessman1974 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 07:22 PM

I stumbled across this in my local woodland.

An uprooted Oak tree resting over a stream appears to have a new tree growing out of the top of the branch. I think it's a Silver Birch.

Is this a bit odd? You can see the join about two thirds up the length of the photo.

Dorts · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 08:02 PM

Yes, unusual to see this with the Oak having quite a small trunk, but not uncommon with larger, older fallen trees where the trunk has split and the center is rotten. Then you often get other trees growing out of the trunk.
There must have been a small hole for the Birch seed to root into.
Fascinating.
Dorts.

Deb London · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2010, 05:33 AM

I can't believe what I'm seeing (not that I mean you are a dab hand with Photoshop, you understand GM

). It's absolutely incredible.

The Woodman · #4 (**permalink**) 07-09-2010, 06:57 AM

You folks are seeing something I must be missing.

The fallen tree looks like an Ash and one of its branches, showing smooth unrippled bark, has taken over as the leader reaching for the light through the understorey.

I'm going back to study the picture.

Deb London · #5 (**permalink**) 07-09-2010, 07:00 AM

You mean you can't see the big hairy monkey swinging from one of the branches?

LOL

I like your explanation better, Woodman. Hadn't considered that.

Dorts · #6 (**permalink**) 07-09-2010, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Woodman

You folks are seeing something I must be missing.

The fallen tree looks like an Ash and one of its branches, showing smooth unrippled bark, has taken over as the leader reaching for the light through the understorey.

I'm going back to study the picture.

Yes Woodman, you could well be right and we are all getting excited about nothing.
The light vertical trunk does look Birch-like but then young Ash trees are also very light. Though I have seen this sort of thing a couple of times. Need to see some leaves on the upright tree.
Dorts.

Guinnessman1974 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2010, 07:34 PM

The woodman, yes that probably makes sense, so the tree is kind of regenerating itself and the branch is becoming the main 'body' of the tree I guess?

The Woodman · #8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2010, 08:27 PM

In those rare habitats where trees are left umanaged this is fairly common.

Trees rot, stems fail, fall or get blown down and often as I think has happened here, a branch or two will succeed. The main trunk will probably rot away over several years and the upright branch - now a tree itself - may well form roots and continue to grow.

The old tree is called a "nurse" tree in this situation.