Catkin
Videos
A catkin or ament is a slim, cylindrical flower cluster, with inconspicuous or no petals, usually wind-pollinated (anemophilous) but sometimes insect-pollinated. They contain many, usually unisexual flowers, arranged closely along a central stem that is often drooping. They are found in many plant families, including Betulaceae, Fagaceae, Moraceae, and Salicaceae.
Detail of a male flowering catkin on a willow (Salix sp.)
Etymology illustrated by pussy willow catkins from a children's book
Male catkins of hop-hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia)
Young male catkins of hazel (Corylus avellana)
Chestnut
Videos
The chestnuts are the deciduous trees and shrubs in the genus Castanea, in the beech family Fagaceae. The name also refers to the edible nuts they produce. They are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Image: Châtaignier 120807 1
Image: Chestnuts at Ljubljana Central Market
Bark - sweet chestnut (C. sativa)
C. sativa male catkins (pale buff) and female catkins (green, spiny, partly hidden by leaves)