TREES ON STILTS
At Sapsucker Woods there seems to be quite a few trees that look like they are growing on stilts.
In reality they are trees whose seeds sprouted on punky stumps or fallen boles of long dead trees. The moist punky wood provides an ideal seed germination site.
Also I think that existing living trees, especially the prolific beech trees at Sapsucker
Woods, inhibit seed germination in the soil by new tree seedlings. There are very few seedling trees in the large beech tree areas unless they are on "stilts" .
One unique individual looks like a tree but in reality is a platyphant. This is unique to Sapsucker Woods. It is a cross between a platypus and an elephant, a platyphant. It is very secretive and not much is known about it. I think it lays eggs under tufts of sedge, then quickly runs away so as not to be seen. As protection at egg laying time it covers itself with mosses and looks like mossy logs. This is very effective. As far as I know these are the only known pictures of a platyphant at egg laying time.
.........................................RDS
3 comments:
Fascinating...to me, they look like gnarly hands reaching into the earth, in search of a secret. Beautiful photos!
your photos are really great. I am eternally jealous because I have searched the world over for a true platyphant. they are hard to find.
congrats and finding one at egg laying time.....how awesome
Thought I would comment and say neat theme, did you make it for yourself? It's really awesome!
Post a Comment