What causes spikes under bark.

[cmcguigan]

I believe this is maple. What causes the spikes under the bark.

 

[fishki]

Epicormic buds

From Wiki :

Epicormic buds lie dormant beneath the bark, their growth suppressed by hormones from active shoots higher up the plant. Under certain conditions, they develop into active shoots, such as when damage occurs to higher parts of the plant, or light levels are increased following removal of nearby plants. Epicormic buds and shoots occur in many woody species, but are absent from many others, such as most conifers.

 

[Kevin Weis]

I've never seen that. Very interesting. Kevin

 

[cmcguigan]

Thanks for the explanation fishki. This tree has spikes all over the main trunk under the bark.

 

[maple1]

I've never seen anything like that, and my wood is like 75% maple. Huh.

 

[cmcguigan]

Maybe it's not maple. Not sure. I didn't see any leaves, just going of what the owner told me. Here's is a pic of tree when i picked it up.