Salix alba (male) - b/w (infrared) (4807' N 1633' E)

Description:

2011-02-04 Lower Austria, district Schwechat (Danube river - national park, 150 m AMSL).Growing at medium-water line of Danube river; in times of flooding this tree could even be completely submersed: water levels rising above the treetops of this one occur every 5-10 years or so.The "stream-lined" growth of this one is a clear indicator of its exposure to flooding.German name: Silber-WeideFrom this tree I picked a few branches, took them home and put them into water where they grew roots, leaves and flowers: see below for photographs of those!The very same thing often enough also happens in nature - during floods branches are torn off and transported some distance; when they get stuck someplace they're growing roots and leaves and, finally, will grow to become a tree if the habitat is favourable.