Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Sap

In the cones of Baldcypress/Taxodium distichum this time of year, you can find an orange sap.

mthew

3 responses to “Sap”

  1. elwnyc

    Do you know why this sap would be there? Is it to attract something that would eat the pod and then spread the seeds?

    Reply
    1. mthew

      That’s a fine hypothesis. Several sources say this seed-ball resin was used by indigenous Americans to treat skin wounds and rashes.

      Reply
  2. Paul Lamb

    I can find these by the hundreds IN MY HOUSE! My dog brings them in on his fur from the back yard. Last year we had no cones, but this year was a huge crop.

    Reply

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