Question: Good morning! I have a tree that is growing in Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Wakefield, RI. I'm attaching …
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Question
Good morning! I have a tree that is growing in Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Wakefield, RI. I'm attaching a couple of photos, lighting is not particularly good (sorry). What is interesting is the circular "lacy" growths, I'd say "flowers" but I don't know if that is what they actually are. Can you help? Diane
Answer
Diane, you'rve photographed Aralia elata (Japanese angelica-tree). This is a species native to Asia that has been introduced to New England. The "growths" you refer to are the inflorescences (the arrays of flowers), some of which have matured into fruit. Best wishes.
