the gall

plant galls are technically deformities. when you hear the word gall, don’t you think tumor, cyst, swelling, wart, ugliness? well, i’d like to introduce you to the willow gall, a multi-petaled little blossom on the ends of the slender whips of willow branches. it would take a lot of gall, to call these galls ugly.

terminal rosette willow tree gall (Rabdophaga rosaria)