We'll have to assume that the non-native species don't count. How does
that change your analysis?
Chuck Norcutt
On 11/1/2010 9:08 AM, Brian Swale wrote:
> Chuck wrote
>
>> A week ago the question had to to with leaves changing color in the
>> autumn. The question was answered by a biologist who was identified as a
>> "visiting professor" but no information was given about where he was from.
>> But I was rather astounded by the answer which, as a passing comment,
>> said that the only places in the world where leaves change color before
>> dropping off the trees in the fall are eastern North America and north
>> eastern Asia.
>>
>> I was certain that leaves must also change color in northern Europe but I
>> haven't been to Europe or anywhere else outside North America in the fall
>> for about 40 years. But certainly the Aspen trees in the southwest United
>> States turn brilliant yellow in the fall so I don't think he can be right.
>>
>> What do y'all think?
>>
>> Chuck Norcutt
>
> I think he is severely mistaken.
> Canada; for example larch species (tamarack) as well as maples, oaks,
> elms, birches and aspens, just off the top of my head.
> Northern Europe ( well not even *northern* Europe, as winters in parts of
> Spain, Portugal and Italy are severe enough to cause "autumn colour".
> Genera involved?
> Larch, birch, oak, beech, rowan, hornbeam, Platanus (sycamore), maples
> (Acer) and alder just to name the obvious ones.
> All of these genera are to be found right across the globe east of greater
> Europe; Turkey, across to alpine Pakistan and India. Russia which goes
> from east to west has Larch at least.
> In New Zealand, the native tree fuchsia and some Plagianthus species do,
> and Nothofagus in the spring when it loses its leaves.
>
> In parts of NZ and Australia (Canberra for example) good-colouring species
> from both China/Japan and North America (and elsewhere) are planted as
> ornamentals for their autumn colour display. I was in Canberra in Easter
> 1964 and the colours were stunning. (Mostly Liquidambar and oaks, I think).
> And Liriodendron.
>
> Brian Swale.
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