You might also notice that leaves growing closer to the ground, where the forest is shady, tend to be larger and softer. This is because trees are trying to absorb as much light as possible with these shaded leaves. Understory trees such as dogwoods live their lives in low light. They not only have larger leaves to absorb all the light they can get but also grow their branches in flat tiers so their leaves are spread out in single layers to make the most efficient use of the light that filters down to them.
~ Peter Wohlleben
(Forest Walking: Discovering the Trees & Woodlands of North America)
I was just yesterday mesmerized by the long ‘arms’ of an understory tree undulating in the breeze, backlit by the sun. Pure magic!
Oh, that sounds so lovely, Eliza! From your description I can see (and hear!) the connection you had with the magic of that tree.
Posted today! 🙂
I can see why it stopped you in your tracks! 🙂
🙂
That was interesting Barbara – the leaves are so green and healthy looking here.
I walk under those leaves every time I return home. Lately I’ve started paying more attention to them.
They were a beautiful green canopy to walk under.
🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃
Mother Nature sure knows how to take care of her trees … if we’ll stop getting in her way!
It’s an amazing thing, the way Mother Nature makes everything work together in spite of us!