Despite the cold, the spring bulbs are still forcing their way up. The interesting point is that, unlike most plants which grow by dividing and increasing their cell numbers, the spiring bulbs increase their size, by inflating their existing cells with water, aided by sugars and other natural anti-freezes. Growing sometimes, truly huge cells that can be visible with a lens, if you want to look.
This is of course a brilliant adaption to growing in the cold season, because they manage to avoid having to do, all the elaborate and heat dependent chemistry needed to divide and make new cells. Being thereby able, to steal the march over the other plants, and be ready to grab the early pollinators, long before the trees are even in leaf.
Daffodil spikes coming through, and snowdrops beginning to show some colour, despite the last weeks hard frosts.
Also posted in Natural History.
2
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
1 comment
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Informative botony lesson! 
MikeInBatonRouge
Level 8
Jan 20, 2021
1
Thank you, I know its technical, but I always hope that gardeners take a real interest in their plants.
Recent Visitors 11
Photos 5,418 More
Posted by FrostyJim...I have enough room for a few good people.
Posted by glennlabMy heavenly Blue Morning Glories have finally gotten their color.
Posted by glennlabMy heavenly Blue Morning Glories have finally gotten their color.
Posted by FernappleIts that season again, blue sky and golden leaves, nature is the greatest designer, a Ginkgo in my garden. Also posted in photography.
Posted by Diaco Black Sapote - The chocolate pudding tropical fruit! (2 videos) [youtube.com] [youtube.com]
Posted by Diaco Black Sapote - The chocolate pudding tropical fruit! (2 videos) [youtube.com] [youtube.com]
Posted by Diaco Black Sapote - The chocolate pudding tropical fruit! (2 videos) [youtube.com] [youtube.com]
Posted by Diaco Black Sapote - The chocolate pudding tropical fruit! (2 videos) [youtube.com] [youtube.com]
Posted by FrostyJimMaking my last batch of 2024 oven roasted tomato sauce on Oct. 10 ready to start filling jars.
Posted by FrostyJimMaking my last batch of 2024 oven roasted tomato sauce on Oct. 10 ready to start filling jars.
Posted by FrostyJimMaking my last batch of 2024 oven roasted tomato sauce on Oct. 10 ready to start filling jars.
Posted by FrostyJimI needed to preserve my bell peppers so I made Indian chutney last night.
Posted by FrostyJimI needed to preserve my bell peppers so I made Indian chutney last night.
Posted by FrostyJimMoose family munchin' on my Raspberries right now at about 8:30 on Tuesday night!
Posted by FrostyJim3 giants total over 3 lbs! Bush Early Girl hybrid grown in my Wasilla Alaska zone 4b greenhouse...
Posted by FrostyJim.