Ever notice how two trees in a forest grow together? These may be two separate trees growing together, but they might also be of the same species. A branch or two trunks may join, or two trees may merge into one.
Inosculation trees are the name given to these kinds of plants. As you are trekking, keep an eye out for them. Continue reading to discover their secrets.
The Wood Wide Web
Most woods are made up of “single” trees, each standing by itself. Nonetheless, it is a truth that a network of soil fungi grows under the forest floor along the tree roots. The “wood wide web” is the name of the network that links the trees. This is a method of communication between trees and has been dubbed by scientists the “wood wide web.” For instance, groves of coastal redwoods with shallow roots exchange nutrients and water.
Trees that are close together may develop in a variety of amazing ways. Inosculation is a phenomenon that occurs when two trees that are growing near to one another grow into one another and become linked, much as they were grafted.
Yet, there are differences between grafting and inosculation since grafting is a horticultural method while inosculation is a naturally occurring event. Inosculation is known as connecting or fusing two trees at their roots, branches, or trunks.
Two Trees Grown Together
How is inoculation carried out? Anybody who has performed grafting is aware that when a tree’s outer bark is removed, the inner tissues are revealed, and the tissues of a branch might adhere to a wound on the new tree.
Although the horticulturist brings on a grafting wound, a wound of a similar sort may be created by branches or trunks rubbing against one another in the wind. The wounds’ callus tissue extends outward, slowing the process and enabling the cambia layers to develop in touch with one another.
Interesting Inoculation Facts
The Latin word “osculum,” which means “kiss,” is where the term “inoculation” originates. Moreover, some regions refer to infected trees as “marriage trees.”
Could a branch develop into a tree? It can. Perhaps two trees with very close-spaced trunks may meld together. The same effect may bring together two trees of different species. However, it occurs between trees of the same species far more often.
Hugging is an instance of a comparable situation. Two physically entangled or interwoven trees that have not grown together make up the structure.
