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Fruits & Votes is the Web-log of Matthew S. Shugart ("MSS"), Professor of Political Science, University of California, Davis.

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  • 30 October 2005

    Planted by MSS
    Planted in: FRUITS; Subtropicals

    These trees don’t grow very fast, so it is pretty exciting when it puts on a growth flush. This is actually its third flush of the year. Each one puts on a few inches, at best. Man, how long till it fruits?

    Lychee backlit

    In this photo, the tree’s new growth is backlit by the late-afternoon sun on a somewhat foggy day last week.

    Compare to my last photo of this tree. Note how much it’s grown in a month!

    Propagation: Seeds & scions (4)


    4 ideas sprouting »

    1. Can you explain what a growth flush is? Do most trees grow in spurts? Is this some sort of punctuated equilibrium? Should I be talking about lychee critical junctures that structure fruit quality for generations to come?

      Seed planted by Nathan — 31 October 2005 @ 13:50

    2. Nathan, wow, those are big questions to ponder! (And nothing like one of my lychee posts to draw you out!)

      Most plants grow in flushes–that is, they periodicaly put on growth in the form of new leaves and branches, and then “rest” for a while. I guess the punctuated-equilibrium analogy is pretty good.

      On many plants, the flush is of leaves of a different color, as you see with the lychee. The critical juncture will be when one of these flushes produces flower spikes. Yes, fower spikes.

      But now I am trying to figure out how you posted your question at 1:50 on Oct. 31, while at this moment it is 1:35 on that same date. Spooky, as is appropriate on this day.

      Seed planted by Matthew Shugart — 31 October 2005 @ 14:35

    3. As I suspected, F&V is still running on daylight time. We’ll have to contact administration.

      Seed planted by Matthew Shugart — 31 October 2005 @ 14:36

    4. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised at your reactionary position on clock management. After all, my parents live in Indiana, where a coalition of farmers and drive-in movie operators has for decades stymied any proposals for seasonal time adjustments. Lenin may have been right about farmers…

      Seed planted by Nathan — 02 November 2005 @ 17:10

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    Recent comments.

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