Trees are Benevolent Hosts

Trees are Benevolent Hosts

Dr Abe V Rotor

The tree laughs, talks, with all the joys of childhood.
"A tree is a joy forever." Tandang Sora QC

Playing hide-and-seek in a bamboo grove. The
spirit of the place gives quaintness to living.
Taal, Batangas

A fallen mango tree makes a romantic
ambiance. (Atimonan, Quezon)

Phylodendron gains foothold on Dita tree (Alstonia
scholaris) as it reaches for the sun several meters high.
UST Botanical Garden

Algae and mosses live on the spongy bark of acacia,
providing nutrients to the tree, and creating a
favorable microclimate. UP Diliman, QC

Balete (Ficus benjamina) strangles emergent tree
with interlacing roots and branches locking its host
to certain death, hence gaining a notorious name of
Strangler's Fig. Mt Makiling, Laguna

Roots are exposed by slow erosion reveal tenacity
of this tree. The tree allows growth of plants and
animals like millipede and land snails, as well as
micrororganims, many are symbionts to the tree.
Mt Makiling Botanical Garden, UPLB

Interlacing roots, principle of inarching, riprap
slopes and banks, provide abode to many organisms.
Mt Makiling, Laguna.

Fruticose lichen clings on bark of tree. Lichens are
communities of algae and fungi. They aid in food
production and recycling of organic matter, as well
as help conserve water. Caliraya Lake, Laguna

Crustose lichen coats trunk of young tree. Lichens are
important to the tree; they also indicate pristine
condition of the environment. Caliraya Lake, Laguna

Drynaria fern as ephipyte helps conserve water, attract
wildlife that protects trees from pests and diseases.
It is not unusual that a branch gives way to the weight
of the tenant fern. St. Agustin Parish, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur

Even after death the tree remains a host to red
mushroom, termites, other saprophytes and
decomposers, giving off its entire energy to
serve the living world.

Living with Nature 3, AVR. All Rights Reserved