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Sony Forums Challenges | all galleries >> Challenge 145: I like it! What is it? (hosted by Denise) >> Challenge 145: Exhibition > edit image
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Mid-1980s

Slice of Life
by

Melbourne, Australia

It's an oldie, but it generally causes some (hopefully satisfying) head-scratching for those who haven't seen it! :-)


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Guest 12-Jun-2007 04:48
OK, here we go. It's a trunk section from a highly protected -- though, fortunately, easy to grow -- Tasmanian Tree-fern (Dicksonia antarctica). The central core is around 20 to 25 cm across. This subject should never have been available to me to see or shoot. Sadly, vandals had trashed it beyond salvation, but at least it left me free to take a slice to photograph.
Thanks to all who stopped by and wondered! :-)
Helen Betts09-Jun-2007 10:15
I remember this from a long time ago. Still a very intriguing shot! Helen
Guest 08-Jun-2007 15:55
Well I'm glad it's making for some intrigue ;-). "Tree" is something of a tease: it's not technically a tree, although the word is used in its common name. The dark, fibrous material concentric with the core is not sap, and the section unfortunately masks its form which is stringy and fibrous: it's actually a mass of what are generally described as "aerial roots". They exist up most of the trunk (which can extend for several metres), and generally do nothing much. They can take, however, if a severed trunk is replanted. Growth rate is only about 3 cm per year. So what is it? Try the division Pteridophyta next... :-)
Katherine Stanback's Photos05-Jun-2007 13:37
Very cool image - I love the textures, colors and patterns! I have no idea what it is.
Denise03-Jun-2007 16:53
I keep "goggling" australian trees but can't find a slice photo!!!! It has to be a tree with sap oozing out of it. Yesterday, I got out of our car and checked a eucalyptus tree that had just been cut by the side of the road ;-))
Justin Miller03-Jun-2007 05:45
Pretty wild pattern going on there. It looks like some kind of root ball from a tree or soemthing - but the outside looks burnt! Definately a toughie.
Tabrizi 01-Jun-2007 11:42
Hmm...
Martin Polanic 01-Jun-2007 05:05
Good choice for this challenge Mike! I remember it (and the answer) from, ummm, somewhere else. Mum's the word ;)
Jerry Curtis31-May-2007 23:46
Hmmm... must be the centre of some kind of tree?
Beautiful abstract pattern and great colors, Mike!
Guest 31-May-2007 17:27
First batch of hints:
1. The blackish gunge around the core is an integral part of the object.
2. The outline of the whole thing (beyond the frame) is roughly circular.
3. It's a very long way above microscopic; in fact this "section" was prepared with a chainsaw.
Denise31-May-2007 14:33
Something under a microscope? Although, I tend to go with Tyler's theory. I can't quite figure out what is around the main object either. The image is very well done and I love the pattern on the "slice of life" itself, whatever it may be!!!
Guest 31-May-2007 06:52
This image is really something unique. I can't tell if it is a natural pattern or an artwork. The dark lines have the quality of brush strokes. But if I was to guess, I'd say a piece of fruit with the end cut off. A really great abstract picture.