Sunday, 20 February 2011

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Alder Cone

Alder 'cone', the mature female flower or cone of an Alder, the small seeds are dispersed by wind and water.

A tree of marsh, river and waterlogged areas, the wood doesn't rot in water, hence it was commonly used for piers, docks, troughs, pumps and pipes Most of Venice is apparently built on Alder Wood piles. The charcoal from Alder is the preferred one for making gunpowder, and the bark can be used to dye cloth.

For more information on Alder's see www.british-trees.com