Freaky flowers - wacky aberrations

[Lesley Cox]

So if these bird-induced witches' brooms were to be propagated, would they then revert to the proper ine growth?

[TheOnionMan]

So if these bird-induced witches' brooms were to be propagated, would they then revert to the proper ine growth?

It is my understanding that many dwarf ornamental forms of various conifers originate from such growths or witches' broom. Cuttings should hold true, and not revert.  When I was in my teens I had a pen pal in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, USA) and he had a novel way of accessing such growths high up in trees, he would shoot them off with a rifle (wild wild west?).

[Armin]

Stephen,
a very interesting story. Capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus major) are almost extirpated in Germany and are an very endangered specis

The populations of Central Europe are acutely vulnerable and isolated, so are not in exchange with each other. The largest deposit is found in the Central Alps. Outside the Alps is still found in the Black Forest a larger population. In Germany in 2005 were given a variety of sources from 570 to 770 breeding pairs only.

The populations behave very unstable against infrastructure projects, which limit them in their habitat, the animals can death up to the stress (in winter due disturbance).
The relatively high populations of natural enemies play a highly restrictive role, too. In an attempt, inclusive hunting concepts, therefore the number should be minimized, which in practice for various reasons and beliefs turned out to be difficult.
The tourism and increasing visitor pressure in the distribution areas are further reasons for the decline. Because the local populations are isolated from each other, is held not a sufficient genetic exchange, with negative effects on fitness.
Overall not so a good outlook for the survival of this beautiful large birds in Germany...

[Stephenb]

Interesting but sad, Armin! Here in Norway, it has also declined due to loss of old growth forest habitats and clear-felling practices. In recent years, certification for sustainable forest management has become important and nowadays efforts are made not to fell everything, but to leave trees like these old Beitefuru that I showed a picture of and it is hoped that this should have a positive impact on populations.

In the UK and Ireland, Capercaillies became extinct due to hunting and loss of habitat, but were later reintroduced from Scandinavia. The last I heard (a few years ago now), the population was also crashing in Scotland. Not sure what the current situation is? Anyone?

[Armin]

Stephen,
still in many old manors of the near Spessart forest we can adore the stuffed capercaillies trophies.
A sign that less then 100years ago there were still regular hunting on capercallies mainly by the nobility.

Beside this sad story, thanks to public and private founded renaturation programs, the European Wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) can be found in the Spessart again. It seems to be a stable population again.
Amazingly, also the first tracks of Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) and single observations by foresters have been reported recently after it was absent 150years. Probably it is migrating from a small population from northern germany Harz forest area. The quite dense population of roe deer and wild boars might be another reason for the coming back.
Clear felling is not practised anymore too and a change in thinking and return to go easy with natural resources is executed by the state-controlled authorities since around 20 years now.

[mark smyth]

If Vojtech Holubec's son David saw those witch's broom he would be up the tree cutting them down and grafting them

[Maggi Young]

Interesting but sad, Armin! Here in Norway, it has also declined due to loss of old growth forest habitats and clear-felling practices. In recent years, certification for sustainable forest management has become important and nowadays efforts are made not to fell everything, but to leave trees like these old Beitefuru that I showed a picture of and it is hoped that this should have a positive impact on populations.

In the UK and Ireland, Capercaillies became extinct due to hunting and loss of habitat, but were later reintroduced from Scandinavia. The last I heard (a few years ago now), the population was also crashing in Scotland. Not sure what the current situation is? Anyone?

I'm told that the removal of lots of the fencing that capercaillie were so good at killing themsleves on has been a great help and while they have good and bad years, the numbers are improving in some areas, though not around here ..... found this RSPB paper......

http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-239173

[Michael J Campbell]

Here are some of my Lewisia rediviva hybs misbehaving.

[TheOnionMan]

My goodness Michael, those really are freaky aren't they .  I'm surprised to see the term "rediviva hybrids", as I wasn't aware of anyone breeding with that species.  Can you tell us more about the Lewisia rediviva hybrids?

[Michael J Campbell]

Mark, have a look here

http://picasaweb.google.com/michaelJcampbell63/24022008LewisiaCollection1TheseHybsHaveAllBeenMadeByMeOverTheLast15Years#

[TheOnionMan]

Mark, have a look here

http://picasaweb.google.com/michaelJcampbell63/24022008LewisiaCollection1TheseHybsHaveAllBeenMadeByMeOverTheLast15Years#

Michael, I don't even no what to say to that photo gallery... I'm still in shock. 
I guess that's why you are called "Mr. Amazing", as that is certainly the most amazing thing I've even seen.  I'm still in shock.  Do you run a nursery or sell any of your fabulous creations?

[Armin]

Michael,
your Lewisia collection is breathtaking.

[Michael J Campbell]

Mark,there was no interest in them so I disposed of most of them,only about 30 left. I tried showing them but the judges always disqualified them for one reason or another.(Alpine plant judges do not like Lewisias)I then tried showing them in the noncompetitive classes and got some silver and gold awards.
In the end I got disillusioned and got rid of most of them. I have some growing outside in a scree bed and they are doing fine.
I don't have a nursery any more as I am retired now. The local Development authority took my nursery land to build a factory, and then didn't bother.'Typical.'

[Michael J Campbell]

I think If I had been someone of importance (LIKE ASHWOOD NURSERY)that there would have been more interest, It is all about marketing and distribution and I did not have the necessary funds for such a project.

[Michael J Campbell]

Mark,while most of them were sterile they did root easily from the spent flower scape,a lot of people refused to believe that so I had to put picks on the forum to convince them. I will look for them and post them  here if i can find them.