Gallery - Woven Woods 2017-2023
Tree in a Tree
2017 Fabric wall hanging, 37" across ON HOLD
There are two types of fungi that colonize tree roots: Arbuscular fungi and Ectomycorrhizal fungi. Both types of fungi maintain the flow of water and nutrients through fungal strands that connect the specialized inner structures with the outer soil network. Some fungi are specific to particular trees – for example, Arbutus and Maple trees have their own favourite fungal species. But many fungi are non-specific and will colonize trees, grasses and many other plant species. Also, one tree may host several types of fungi at once. The established fungi maintain the flow of water and nutrients through fungal strands that connect their specialized inner root structures with the outer soil network, visible to us in the form of mushrooms and truffles. Arbuscular fungi start growing INSIDE root cells along the central core of the root. They are called Arbuscular because once inside the cells, they form tiny tree-like structures: trees inside trees! The large surface area created by their tiny but dense canopies is an efficient way to transfer water and nutrients. "The whole is immanent in all the parts, no matter how small" Louise B. Young, The Unfinished Universe "Each particle is a microcosm, and faithfully renders the likeness of the world." Ralph Waldo Emerson |