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Trees Gallery - Guernsey
Herm from St Peter's Port, Guernsey
We visited Guernsey, Sark and Herm in May, with cherry blossom just fading, but rhododendrons and camellias in full flower. The islands had many characteristics of other islands we have visited, particularly the Scillies. There were some impressive gardens at Candie and Sausmarez Manor on Guernsey, La Seigneurie on Sark - and lots of impressive trees around and about on the Herm estate. We didn't get across to Sausmarez Park on Guernsey, which has many fine trees. There is quite a lot of guesswork in naming some of these trees, with some help from La Societe Guernesiaise Botany Section, Lee - Lee Stewart, Herm Estate Manager, and Andy McCutcheon of Guernsey Trees for Life.
Cupressus macrocarpa
Monterey cypress
A.k.a. hesperocyparis macrocarpa, a native of the Californian coast. Often found in coastal areas, and areas where a shelter belt is required. The tree is relatively short lived, and can be planted as a sacrificial barrier to strong coastal winds to protect more delicate plants or crops. The trunk can be massively thick, despite few trees reaching beyond 100 - 150 years. Seed cones are quite large (up to 4cm), globous, at first green then turning brown over 2 years after pollination.
Magnolia (acuminata?)
Magnolia
A fine, large m agnolia growing in the churchyard of Saint Martin de la Bellouse, in the village of St Martin's on the south side of the island. It could be any of the hundreds of varieties of magnolia; I have made a guess at m. acuminata, simply because the fruits are beginning to shape up like cucumbers, but most magnolias have variations on this shape of fruit, so I really am not sure.
Pinus radiata
Monterey pine
Like the Monterey cypress, the Monterey pine is often found in coastal areas, used as a shelter belt tree. A native of California, though planted in huge plantations across the world for use in constructional timber, where it is chemically treated to increase its durability. A vigorous evergreen conifer making a large tree to 30m or more, developing a broad rounded crown with maturity.
Platanus x hispanica
London plane
There were a number of plane trees growing by the roadside on Guernsey, a common use for these tough, pollution resistant trees. With leathery leaves and exfoliating bark, renewing constantly to rid itself of any potentially harmful attacks and diseases.
Quercus (robur?)
Oak
An oak tree in the graveyard at Saint Martin de la Bellouse. A little early in the season for distinguishing features, it could be q. robur, q. petraea, or q. cerris, all of which I saw around the island. The acorns when they appear would be a key identifier, but it is a long way to go back and check in September!
