Robins Pincushion Gall by ShadowsNTime

Photography • Flowers/Plants • posted on May 25, 2008

Open full image in new tab Zoom on image

Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.

Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.

Description

Little did I know when Andrea sent me on a fact finding mission;-) that I would then discover other 'galls' in my yard. I believe this to be a variety of Robin's Pincushion, after searching hundreds of images this came closest in name, color, shape. Found this one today when checking on my garden, Knowing the plant its on does not have this anomaly set me on the search. The 'causer' in this case is a gall wasp (Diplolepis rosae) which lays its eggs in either the leaves or stem. One gall may contain several grubs, each in an individual chamber. Subsequently, other insects may invade the gall in order to parasitise the gall wasp grubs. The gall grubs will overwinter inside the 'apparently' dead gall, to emerge next Spring. Thanks for looking and previous comments. Thanks also for condolences for my friend's brother, and for congrats to Alex and I! **note: I brightened this a bit because of the nuisance maple seeds...**

Comments (22)

)

Richardphotos

12:20AM | Sun, 25 May 2008

better get rid of those seeds are you will have trees growing all over your garden. very interesting plant and superb capture

)

Lashia

12:24AM | Sun, 25 May 2008

What a strange looking seed! Great find though, good results for your escapades! Great shot :-)

)

ShadowsNTime

12:24AM | Sun, 25 May 2008

Hahaha!!! Richard, I need an army, there are thousands of these seeds everywhere and they are still falling! According to an article I read the overseeding is cause by an unusually hot summer last year!

)