The Woodlands.co.uk Blog - January 2007
Seeds and Dormancy
Seeds may be classified as orthodox or recalcitrant. These terms refer to their moisture content and whether or not they can enter into a state of (prolonged) dormancy. The seeds of most plants growing in a temperate climate (such as that found in the UK and western Europe) gradually dry as they mature and many enter a state of dormancy. Seeds that are tolerant to this drying process and which can be stored for a long time are said to be ‘orthodox’. In this Read more…
A woodlands puzzle
Here is something slightly different for the blog this week – a crossword. In order to tempt you in, there are 10 prizes! The first 10 correct solutions will receive a copy of “Badgers, Beeches and Blisters” by Professor Julian Evans. Read more…
The Secret Life of Trees by Colin Tudge
This book has trees bursting out of the edges but also expounds on topics from causes of global warming to why there is so much biodiversity in the tropics. Well worth putting on your 2007 list of books to read - preferably at the top.
Tudge defines a tree as “a big plant with a stick up the middle” and he points out that we evolved from creatures who lived in trees and how also - from a biological perspective - Read more…
Barking Deer
These are otherwise known as muntjac or Reeve’s muntjac, being named after the nineteenth century naturalist - John Reeves. It is a curious looking creature with tusks; a bit like a small pig. Originally native to SE China, it has become feral here. In November, the Radio 4 program “Making History” had an interesting account on the origins of the muntjac in the UK.
This Read more…