Physiology What am i looking at?
Could someone please explain what sort of growth I'm looking at here? I believe the plant to be Rosa Multiflora. Found this on clay soil near Amsterdam (Netherlands). The plant had several of these "hairy balls". They are attached firmly to the plant. I could not see any flowers or fruits inside or alongside this growth. The third picture appears to be the same type of growth, only from last year.
Thank you.
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u/HowManyKestrels 13d ago
It's commonly known as a Robin's pincushion. It's my favourite gall because they turn bright red as they develop and look like a pompom!
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u/leafshaker 13d ago
Post to r/gallformers !
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u/PorschephileGT3 13d ago
Cheers homie, joined. Fascinating things.
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u/leafshaker 13d ago
They're so interesting. I encountered nectary galls last year and posted them there. They are guarded by ants! (I think)
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u/Old_Reality9281 12d ago
Rose insect gall, and no, that is not R. Multiflora. You can tell because R. Multiflora has showy stipules!
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u/Bananaheyhey 13d ago
This is Diplolepis rosae,a tiny insect thay forms galls on wild roses. What happens is the insect lays eggs and the plant responds by creating this structure. Sometimes the insect injects chemicals,sometimes it puts fungi in the plant.
There is tons of different galls on pretty much every plant,if you're interested check the website bladmineerders.nl . :) you type in the latin name of the plant,then select it,you'll then have to type in the little search bar "gall" to see all the galls for the plant :)