Aspens by the Jack’s Creek Trail near Cowles, NM The aspens that grow here are Quaking Aspen and are a unique species because a group of Aspen are actually a single organism. More about that: “Quaking aspen propagates itself primarily through root sprouts, and extensive clonal colonies are common. Each colony is its own clone, and all trees in the clone have identical characteristics and share a single root structure. A clone may turn color earlier or later in the fall than its neighbouring aspen clones. Fall colors are usually bright tones of yellow; in some areas, red blushes may be occasionally seen. As all trees in a given clonal colony are considered part of the same organism, one clonal colony, named Pando, is considered the heaviest and oldest living organism at six million kilograms and perhaps 80,000 years old. Aspens do produce seeds, but seldom grow from them. Pollination is inhibited by the fact that aspens are either male or female, and large stands are usually all clones of the same sex. Even if pollinated, the small seeds (three million per pound) are only viable a short time as they lack a stored food source or a protective coating.” - Wikipedia #JacksCreekTrail #QuakingAspen #Cowles #NewMexico #Aspens #NewMexicoFlora #LandOfEnchantment #PhotoByJeriRae https://www.instagram.com/p/CIKsLCVlogb/?igshid=13auks2krceat
