Chips on a Sandwich | no. 2 | Trees please
Here's this week's offering of joyous bits. Crunch, crunch.
DAPPLED LIGHT: That light that peeks through the leaves of a tree canopy and projects a shadow-- which almost looks like its dancing. It's a wonderful, whimsical thing to behold especially on a warm day. Here Claire Winslow's photograph captures dappled light busting a move in The Dance. And there's Allan Rohan Crite's delightful Sunlight and Shadow. You can read more about the painting and the incredible artist here.
WHEN LEAVES PERSIST: Ever notice a tree that still has its leaves in the dead of winter? I remember the first time I came across a young American Beech during a snowy hike. Its branches were full of papery tan leaves-- almost ghostlike against the stark backdrop of the forest. This was no accident. This is marcescent. That's when leaves from certain deciduous trees and shrubs wither but don't fall off. How come? It's kind of unknown, there are working theories, maybe to protect the anticipated spring buds or to preserve precious nutrients. Whatever the reason, now we have one impressive tree id tidbit!
TREE SODA: If you're a root beer lover (or the one sarsaparilla enthusiast) then try birch beer. This sweetened, carbonated beverage is flavored from the extract of the black birch-- think earthy, black licorice and subtle mint. It's great. And makes a super ice cream float. (Next time you are marcescent-tree hunting and spot what you think is a black birch-- peel away a tiny piece of bark-- if it smells like licorice then you've just earned another tree id badge.)
GOT WALL SPACE FOR THIS? Check out these massive tree ring prints from a 372-year-old Sitka Spruce. They're a little forensic-y looking but I'm into it.
POLL: deciduous or evergreen (Last week's ice cream poll revealed a bunch of cone-over-cup lovers.)