Plant Galls of Buxton Heath
Plant Galls are always a little tricky when it comes to placement on a web site as each type is caused by an outside organism of some type. Many galls are caused by insects, such as wasps and flies, but others are induced by fungi and bacteria. So, as you see, it's not a case of just listing them all on the insect page. For this web site, I have decided to give the galls their own page, listing the type of organism alongside its scientific name. This means that all of the Buxton Heath galls that have been identified can be found in the same place, regardless of what caused them.
What is a gall?
To answer this frequently-asked question, I will 'borrow' this short piece from the wonderful book 'The Study of Plant Galls in Norfolk' which was written by my dear friends Rex and Barbara Hancy ...... real gall experts!
"A gall is a growth of tissue produced by a plant at the instigation of an outside organism to a constant, easily recognisable form. The extra, or enlarged cells provide food and shelter for the following generation of the inducer. At some stage, the rightful occupant may itself be the unfortunate host to a parasite, the gall may be invaded by lodgers or inquilines, taking advantage if the food resource. They in turn may be parasitised. Investigating the complexities of life inside these tiny worlds is a major study in its own right".
The Buxton Heath gall species list will appear here soon !
What is a gall?
To answer this frequently-asked question, I will 'borrow' this short piece from the wonderful book 'The Study of Plant Galls in Norfolk' which was written by my dear friends Rex and Barbara Hancy ...... real gall experts!
"A gall is a growth of tissue produced by a plant at the instigation of an outside organism to a constant, easily recognisable form. The extra, or enlarged cells provide food and shelter for the following generation of the inducer. At some stage, the rightful occupant may itself be the unfortunate host to a parasite, the gall may be invaded by lodgers or inquilines, taking advantage if the food resource. They in turn may be parasitised. Investigating the complexities of life inside these tiny worlds is a major study in its own right".
The Buxton Heath gall species list will appear here soon !