Married Trees
Microseason No. 3, February 14 - 18
The winter forest continues to spark my imagination. I love the way themes and traditions in our culture have been shaped by nature’s micro-seasonal events.
Valentine’s Day on February 14th echos the mating calls of the birds heard in the early morning hours now. This time of year is perfect for celebrating love and commitment!
On a recent hike, I met an elderly couple who excitedly pointed down the trail saying: “There’s a pair of married trees a little way down! Have you seen them?”
Married trees? I didn’t know what they meant. It turns out that sometimes a pair of trees— often two different species— seem to be growing in partnership. Their trunks, branches, and roots may conjoin. Their canopies tend to intertwine and share the sky together. They are also called gemels.
Now I notice them all the time! Often one of them is a Beech tree on the trails that I walk.
Here’s an example of Inosculation: from the Latin osculare meaning to kiss! xx
Notice how the Beech roots are reaching out to wrap around its partner.
Beautiful! The loveliness of trees.