Hi folks;
I have been looking at this forum for years, and finally decided to join. I have had trouble with spyware and viruses in the past, and hope to be able to help others in my own small way.
I am computer literate, but in no way a whiz.
Retired Biologist. You can read more about me at http://blueridgediscovery.com
Hi Alex N.
It would take a pretty good naturalist, or a miracle of nature to get that pictured tree to grow on top of that shale/basalt.
You're either good at your job, or discovered a marvelous find.
Sorry to hear about your dog.
Welcome to the WTT Forums.
Enjoy and explore, their are many discoveries to be made here too.
Doug
Well, I don't know the exact type of rock the Birch is sitting on, but it does indeed seem to grow out of it. What has really happened is that the seed evidently sprouted in a soil filled depression on the rock. As the tree grew, it sent out roots, trying to find soil and water - you can see a large root in the foreground that goes off the edge of the rock into the forest floor. In reality, several big roots go off to the forest floor at the base of the rock.
Yellow Birch ( Betula lenta) are very good for this. Aside from this tree, which is about 3/4 the way around the 2 1/2 mile trail around Price Lake, near Boone N.C. on the Blue Ridge Parkway, others like this can be seen at Craggy Gardens on the Parkway.
Wish I indeed had the skill to fake this photo, but I don't…
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