Walk in Wolvenberg

The relationship between trees, insects, and fungi is unique. It is probably well known that trees and fungi belong together. From the beginning of their life, some tree seeds enter into a symbiotic relationship with fungi such as the amethyst deceiver or the red-brown deceiver and beech seedlings. But later on, fungi are also important for trees. They provide more water and more nutrients so that they are better protected against drought and grow better. Through parasitic fungi, weakened trees are more quickly absorbed into the food cycle of a tree. And of course, fungi ensure that dead material, especially in autumn, is digested and cleaned up and thus also provides more food for the tree. But there are also important relationships between fungi and insects. There are fungi that live on the skeleton of beetles without this having an influence on them. There are fungi that live on the pupae of insects such as the caterpillar hunter. Ants cultivate fungi to feed their colony. This may seem simple, but this is not the case. They must ensure that no parasitic fungi penetrate the nest. A number of insects also ensure the spread of fungi. A number of them eat fungi. But the relationship between flowers and insects is also unique. Just think of the many galls, mines... On a pedunculate oak, more than 40 species of galls can be present. The walk starts at 2:00 PM. Meeting place: corner of Singel and Posthofbrug, Posthofbrug 1, 2600 Berchem.