NuttyArb- Autumn

Autumn

Autumn is a very important time of year for plants and wildlife.

Trees have spent all summer producing (kinetic) energy for growth, through photosynthesis. At the end of summer, much of this energy is now stored (potential) for the onset of growth in the spring. The manufactured carbohydrates and valuable chemicals are withdrawn into the tree.

This can be seen visually by the changing colours of the leaves. The green pigment of leaves is replaced by the vivid display of Autumn colours. This is because chlorophyl (the chemical used to produce food through photosynthesis) is the green pigmentand when it is withdrawn other colours become apparent. Oak leaves turn brown as they are rich in tannins.

Autumn is the time of year that many trees bear fruit. This is vital for foraging wildlife as food is scarce during winter. Tough fruit- such as acorns- can be stored and eaten throughout winter. Some plants such as ivy (Hedra helix)and holly (Ilex aquifolium)may be in fruit well into late winter.

Many fungal fruit bodies appear during autumn- perhaps due to the stored food in the trees means that the fungi exploit this and have enough energy to produce these fruit bodies.

Autumn

Autumn Gallery