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 5,325 More
Posted by JolantaUnusual fungi.
Posted by FernappleI am trying to grow some extra salad crops this year in the new greenhouse.
Posted by JolantaBugg life.
Posted by glennlab My first flowers of this spring. Lotus and blue bells
Posted by glennlab My first flowers of this spring. Lotus and blue bells
Posted by FrostyJimSeedlings ..
Posted by FernappleIts Hellebore season now.
Posted by FernappleIts Hellebore season now.
Posted by FernappleIts Hellebore season now.
Posted by FrostyJim...don't be silly!
Posted by KateOahuI saw some pretty flowers on a walk today. I’d never seen a white Hibiscus before. And I do not know what the pink flowers are.
Posted by KateOahuI saw some pretty flowers on a walk today. I’d never seen a white Hibiscus before. And I do not know what the pink flowers are.
Posted by KateOahuI saw some pretty flowers on a walk today. I’d never seen a white Hibiscus before. And I do not know what the pink flowers are.
Posted by FrostyJimI usually drink coffee while planting seeds?
Posted by KilltheskyfairyI love all the information on the internet that makes me a better gardener…
Posted by Jaylo64Primative hydroponic system /an old shoe rack and coffee cans ! Cans above drip into the cans below !