Galls
All pictures Olympus XZ-1, 28mm
Galls are outgrowths on plants, caused by insects or other parasites. In many cases, insect larvae develop inside of them. I had a look around on my walks and spotted a great variety of them, especially on oak trees:
Nutgall:
Oak artichoke gall:
Cynips longiventris (couldn't find a common name):
Common spangle gall:
Canada thistle gall:
Silk button gall:
Neuroterus laeviusculus (couldn't find a common name):
Unidentified:
This one arranged itself nicely on a bed of hail after a storm:
So, when you see one of these, realise that the tree didn't grow it voluntarily but was manipulated into it.
I really like your photo of the oak artichoke gall. I like to find the big Oak Apple Galls in the summertime, while they are still green. They have a nice tart lemon taste. I don't eat them, just suck on their inner fibers. There is just one little larvae in the very middle of the big gall. I learned that from my dad, who learned it from his uncles, all passed down in the Ozarks of southern Missouri. Recommended for anyone to try that out!
It never occured to me to try to taste one, and I'm not sure we have the same galls (I'm in The Netherlands). I will tell this to a passing tourist first and see how he fares before I try one 8-).
every day is something new, excellent information, learn congratulations thank you for sharing
You're welcome.
high quality
Thank you.