These young Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) leaves opening are like hands reaching out – I felt this was a particularly sympathetic image in these times of social isolation, regular hand washing and lack of human touch.
And although we have much to concern us, let us remember that our native trees are also suffering from some serious pathogens that are killing them. Pseudomonas syringae pathovar aesculi arrived in the UK from a Himalayan import in the 1970s. This bacteria is responsible for Bleeding Canker of Horse Chestnut trees and interestingly the Pseudomonas family of bacteria are common to both the plant and animal kingdom. We have yet to experience a cross-species mutation from the plant world!
On a positive note, this Horse Chestnut looked in the best of health. Wishing you all the same – stay home, stay safe!
For as long as I'm well, am posting a pic a day to enhance these Covid-19 times of isolation and lockdown
PoetryPix 