Published April 12, 2018 by Tom Porter

Nature Moments: Galls, Cankers and Witch’s Brooms

Have you ever noticed tumor-like growths on plants? 

Fungi, insects, mites and bacteria are like “body snatchers,” penetrating plant cells and manipulating them to produce galls, cankers and witch’s brooms for the parasites’ benefit. Fortunately, most are benign. says Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Natural Sciences Nathaniel T. Wheelwright in this latest Nature Moments video.

If you want to make your own natural history observations, The Naturalist’s Notebook (Storey Publishing, 2017) by Wheelwright and Research Associate in Biology Bernd Heinrich, provides guidance and a systematic format, with 100 percent of royalties going to conservation and environmental education.

Check out more Nature Moments.