Inosculation
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Inosculation is a natural phenomenon in which two trees, or more commonly the branches thereof, grow together.
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Occurrence
It is most common for branches of two trees of the same species to grow together, though it may be noted across species. The branches first grow separately in close-proximity until they touch. At this point the bark on the touching surfaces normally comes away due to movement of the trees and pressure. Once the flesh of two trees touches they graft and proceed to grow. Often, the point of graft may not be noted in the trees later life.
Species
It is most common among the following species:
- Elm
- Oaks (Holm oak, Live oak, Golden oak)
- Olive
- Pear
- Apple
- Peach
- Almond
- Beech
- Hornbeam
- Linden
- Hazelnut
- Crepe maple
- Dogwood
- Golden willow
- Wisteria
- Grape
- Privet
- Laburnum
- Sycamore
Pleaching
Pleaching is the name of inosculation when done by the hands of humans - it may be for aesthetics or utility. The invention of this technique may be tracked back to Roman horticulturalists.
Method
Apart from placing trees in close proximity, cutting the branches in various ways and binding them may also encourage inosculation to occur. One can even go as far as making a hole through a larger branch and placing a small branch through it — forming the strongest pleaching structures. Grafting can be differentiated from pleaching in that pleaching is the braiding of tree branches. Arborsculpture is the art of pleaching trees for artistic intent.
Uses
Creating walls and walkways is a notable use of this. Load bearing structures may also be made, the most extreme examples of which are buildings.
External links
- http://www.orchardsedge.com/articles/pleaching.jsp - walkway of trees
- http://www.arborsmith.com/treecircus.html - Tree Circus
- http://www.danladd.com/Living_Sculpture.htm - Art
- http://www.archinode.com/bienal02.html - Buildings