I was quite surprised to find Artichokes in my Oak Tree.
These are the product of another Gall Wasp called Andricus fecundator. I think that we should have more Galls on this blog just because they are a bit weird. 🙂 These are called Oak Artichoke Galls or Oak Hop Galls.
A Tramp in the Woods 
In the middle ages there was an ink made from some oak galls, and was widely used then. Still used by some calligraphers today. Isn’t mother nature amazing?
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Thanks Sarasin 🙂 Amazing and so diverse.
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I have a friend who collects these from various places so she can make ink. As for me, I grew up stomping on ‘puff balls’ to make them pop. This was when they were dried up and empty. Nature: how much fun can you have with something so weird?
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Thanks Lora 🙂 I love the way that children play with nature. Who didn’t grow up with Conkers and Daisy chains and Sticky Willy? Maybe that is why so many of us feel a link with nature as we get older, remembering more innocent days.
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Ah yes, Waspafix the Gaul. Very impressive.
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Thank you Andrew 🙂 I like Waspafix the Gaul, a clever connection.
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Galls are indeed amazing! I once did some research work on Pemphigus (aphid) and Urophora (tephritid flies) galls.
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Thank you 🙂
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We get galls on willows here – never seen them on oaks (just have a scrub oak in our area)! When they dry out, the scales form ‘petals’ and the result is a beautiful brown paper-like rose. I’ll see if I can find some to post on my blog for you to see. Love rambling with you, BTW. :o)
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Thanks Elizabeth 🙂 I would love to see your Willow Galls.
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