OK, as well as being the first tree to have its genome sequenced, the poplar is also special because Populus is one of the few genera known to form mixed mycorrhizal symbiosis, associating with ectomycorrhiza (EcM) and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi. Presumably this is important. For the trees. The Ojibwe used the inner bark of the trunk as a poultice, and the Cree ate the inner bark in the spring as a mild purgative.AND he oldest living organism is Pando - a root system of aspens that creates a forest. These aspens are in the genus Populus. If root tips are like neurons, then this is also the world's biggest brain.
On the whole though, poplars are quite short-lived trees. Lombardy poplars might only live 50 years.
I wonder if that's why these don't look amazingly vital and why 6 of them seem to be dead trees standing?
I hugged a few alive ones (for the third time running, Meg came across me hugging a tree). This one granted me some rumbles and creaks.
The leaves still have their scent, though it is not stong. That said, as I came up the hill I could still smell the aromatics on the breeze.
The leaves are big now - the size of a palm on a hand rather more lady-like than mine.
They feel like generous trees. Somewhat self-contained, but kind.
In contrast, a hawthorn, despite her thorns, gives, as well as flowers and fruit, a resting place for a fellow tree. You do not see poplars embrace each other. Yet a hawthorn would not allow me to hug her.
On the way home, I was reminded of Laurie's words about poplars signifying transformation through butterfly magic.
I saw these two white ones, a white one with orange tipped wings and a tiny blue thing.
And when I got home, poplar tincture. It tastes rather pleasant when well-diluted.
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