Conifers

Nature Notes by Aidan Smith

Over the years I have acquired lots of knowledge about birds and insects, but  when it comes to identifying flora my abilities to recognise even some of the  commonest of species are sadly lacking.  

The Wharfedale Naturalists Society runs a programme of events, for members,  throughout the year. Our botany recorder, Bruce Brown, recently presented an  evening titled ‘Conifers – Winter identification of these evergreen trees and  shrubs,’ I took the opportunity to learn more. After a presentation about the  species found locally, it was over to the participants to put their knowledge (in  my case newly found) to the test. Laid out in front of us were a number trays  containing the leaves, branches and cones from various conifer species. Our task  was to identify them with the aid of a handy key. Pine cones can be distinctive  in size and shape, but are often out of reach high in the tree.  Amongst other  characteristics to consider are the size and shape of each leaf, how the leaves  are positioned and grouped, how branches lie, presence of berries, feel of the  bark, bud shape, and, on occasion, scent. 

The conifers evening was run as part of our microscope club programme for  2021/22.  While  not  necessary  for  identification  on  this  occasion,  it  was interesting to take a look at a pine needle under the microscope. To me, pine  needles always look like such a dry leaf, but slicing a thin cross-section with a  razor blade reveals the tissue types and structures found within including the  resin canals that are located just in from edge, the walls of which secret resin.  Resin canals vary in number depending on species and in many ways they help  enable the plant to survive harsh conditions, like a cactus would. In addition, the  distasteful resin deters animals and insects form eating the plant. 

One cone I had seen before was that of the Bhutan pine (Pinus Wallichiana).   Native to the Himalayas a small number of them, eight I believe, grow in my local  woodland along with numerous other adventive species. Three or four years ago I chanced upon two pine cones at the base of these trees. They are inspirational  at about the length of a size 8 shoe and have remained on my findings shelf at  home since. I had never found one again, but that changed when storm Malik  struck on 29^th January. Its destructive power was evident both on the news and  locally. Looking out the back, blue lights could be seen on the Pool Road and as  dawn broke a new gap in the poplar trees that line this road was evident.

Walking my usual local loop was a little problematic to start. The gate had gone  at the entrance to the wood, replaced by a much larger piece of pine timber  blown down in the night. Being on the edge of the wood the tree had been  susceptible to gusts. Further into the wood, cones littered the floor under the  Bhutan Pines. I bagged up some and shook them in the hope of dislodging any  remaining seeds (pictured). The seeds are similar in shape to a sycamore key,  but with a more delicate and angular appearance. These trees rarely naturalise. I’m hoping with the seeds collected I might be able to grow a few for future generations so they can enjoy the cones as I have. 

wharfedale-nats.org.uk