There is not a lot of action at the moment in Larchland. There may be a slight swelling of buds, but this is probably wishful thinking by Ms Eager Beaver. So I will use this lull in visible activity (I am sure there is a lot going on behind the scenes) to get you up to speed on Larix decidua. We wouldn’t want any embarrassing silences would we? It is a deciduous conifer, native to central Europe and introduced to Britain in the 17th century. It is a fast growing tree and the resulting timber is strong and resistant to rot, however the Japanese larch, Larix kaempferi, is considered superior and is more often grown as a plantation crop. “So how” you may well ask “do you know the difference between the Japanese and the European?”. Well apparently the seed scales on the cones bend downwards in the Japanese tree while the European’s curl upwards. As I have only just discovered this fact, I am very pleased that it appears I have identified this tree correctly, admittedly it was more luck than judgement. Unless, of course, I am deluding myself again and there is a little downward motion ….. no I must be strong in my convictions. These cones with their, undoubtedly up-curling, seed scales may remain on the branch for many years, so it is not even worth loitering just in case the deadlock may be broken by one falling off. Never mind, another month and it could be all steam ahead, otherwise brace yourselves for some more scintillating/sleep inducing facts!
- Comment
- Reblog
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Off The Edge Gardening 
Any and all information on Larix decidua is very welcome as it is one of my favourites. 🙂
LikeLike
Glad to hear it, I think we will be learning together!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My little grey cells need to learn something new every day and next time Mr TT and the black spaniel and me have a walk through a larch plantation I will enjoy showing off my new knowledge – as long as the little grey cells can remember it, that is.
LikeLike
If you are anything like me you will have find a trick to remember which is which. Perhaps Eur-up will work?
LikeLike
Excellent! That should work even for my little grey cells. Mr TT very intrigued as to why I want to go for a walk in a larch plantation.
LikeLike
This is nice. I don’t know how I could ‘fill the space’ 😉
LikeLike
Such fine details to observe!
LikeLike
Indeed, they are all larch to me!
LikeLike
I love the cones. Just imagine how many different plants are “different” just because of one itsy bitsy minor variation. It’s always fun to learn as we go along!
LikeLike
It is incredible isn’t it, so much diversity, we have to do our best to protect it. And I agree, have fun at the same time 🙂
LikeLike
The hoarder in me would have brought those cones home for some future craft project…they are too charming to resist.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was looking at a fallen branch today and wondering what could be done with it!
LikeLike
I’m “braced” and looking forward to more larch news 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, was looking again today and I am sure those buds are getting bigger and bigger!
LikeLike