Oaks pollinate each other by wind-borne pollen emitted by male catkin flowers which floats between trees and lands on female flowers. Once pollinated, flowers grow into acorns that will eventually ripen. If a female flower of one oak receives pollen from a male tree from another it can be fertilised. The transmitting and receiving species must be very closely related in order for this to occur. Pedunculate and sessile oaks are close enough for this to happen. The result is hybridisation.
Ooh! I love a dead/dying ancient tree--so much to imagine about them.
Especially with such an enigmatic name!
How do they hybridise?
Oaks pollinate each other by wind-borne pollen emitted by male catkin flowers which floats between trees and lands on female flowers. Once pollinated, flowers grow into acorns that will eventually ripen. If a female flower of one oak receives pollen from a male tree from another it can be fertilised. The transmitting and receiving species must be very closely related in order for this to occur. Pedunculate and sessile oaks are close enough for this to happen. The result is hybridisation.
And with, of course, help from bees, et cetera .)
Well not in the case of oaks, which rely on the wind to disperse their pollen.
Thank you for that brief, clear and informative comment. Memorable