Alders have an extra-ordinary ability to resist the decaying influence of water. Its timber is almost indefinitely rot proof in a wet environment and its trunks are the foundation of much of the glory of Venice and the graceful houses lining the canals of Amsterdam. Its shiny leathery leaves resist the onslaught of the wet autumn and early winter rains far better than any other deciduous tree. The leaves do not colour in the autumn, just become darker and wither to brown or black and often can be found on the branches as late as December! Its tiny seeds have two corky wings, containing air bubbles, which helps them to float on water in their search for a place to settle.Charlie Paradise, Massachusetts
http://www.the-tree.org.uk/BritishTrees/alder.htm
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