Indian trail marker/thong tree #1

[19Mateo83]

So after recent discussion and my love for these types of trees, I decided to start one…. Just bonsai size….this thread is to document its progress. My chosen tree species is Maclura Pomifera, the Osage Orange. Traditionally in my area these trees are white oaks and once my seedlings are large enough I will make a white oak one as well. From the research I’ve done on these, they were traditionally made by bending a sapling over a crutch (to make a sharp 90 degree bend) and tied down with sinew or vines. Once the tree starts growing vertical shoots the end is cut off and you have a marker tree.

 

[19Mateo83]

Here are some mature examples. The black and white photo dates from the late 1800’s

 

[19Mateo83]

So with research and examples in mind away I went. I chose a sapling around 24 inches tall. I cut a crutch out of another stick and secured the tree in place. Don’t mind the recycled plastic plant tie . I’m aiming for a 24-36 inch finished tree height, that depends on where vertical shoots decide to grow.the rest of the branch tips were pruned to encourage new vertical growth.

 

[Paradox]

Interesting, I think I have seen one of those here. I have a pic I'll post later

 

[HorseloverFat]

Cool!!! I've been brainstorming trailhead ideas, too. (Since our conversation in that other thread)

But for me.. incorporating the "Marker Tree" TIMES my scene so that fences and other brainstorming ideas.

If I'm doing the throng tree... It'll be Teepees.. Longhouses.... fire spits... altars..

Actually...

That sounds pretty cool.

 

[19Mateo83]

Cool!!! I've been brainstorming trailhead ideas, too. (Since our conversation in that other thread)

But for me.. incorporating the "Marker Tree" TIMES my scene so that fences and other brainstorming ideas.

If I'm doing the throng tree... It'll be Teepees.. Longhouses.... fire spits... altars..

Actually...

That sounds pretty cool.

That sounds like a fun project!

 

[Paradox]

Here is the one I have seen locally. It has always fascinated me.
The area did have a high population of Native Americans in the 1600s.
I dont think this tree is that old though so who knows how it got that way.

 

[HorseloverFat]

Here is the one I have seen locally. The area did have a high population of Native Americans in the 1600s.
I dont think this tree is that old though so who knows how it got that way.

View attachment 439478

Either way it's a visually-pleasing tree!

 

[19Mateo83]

Here is the one I have seen locally. The area did have a high population of Native Americans in the 1600s.
I dont think this tree is that old though so who knows how it got that way.

View attachment 439478

Sometimes they are made naturally when a tree flattens a sapling, I’m sure there’s lots of other ways for naturally occurring ones. That is definitely a cool tree though! Thanks for sharing with the class

 

[HorseloverFat]

This is my best sketch of my NON-thong tree, "Private Trail" idea, so far. Sorry, Just wanted to shareOTHER places these conversations have led me.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

Here is the one I have seen locally. It has always fascinated me.
The area did have a high population of Native Americans in the 1600s.
I dont think this tree is that old though so who knows how it got that way.

View attachment 439478

Interesting. I have a pine tree at the back of my property that's 2-3 feet away from a corn field and the trunk grew that way naturally as far as I know. I'll have to remember to take a picture.

So after recent discussion and my love for these types of trees, I decided to start one…. Just bonsai size….this thread is to document its progress. My chosen tree species is Maclura Pomifera, the Osage Orange. Traditionally in my area these trees are white oaks and once my seedlings are large enough I will make a white oak one as well. From the research I’ve done on these, they were traditionally made by bending a sapling over a crutch (to make a sharp 90 degree bend) and tied down with sinew or vines. Once the tree starts growing vertical shoots the end is cut off and you have a marker tree.

Great idea. I'll be sure to follow.

 

[Bricker918]

That thong tha thong thong thong

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

That thong tha thong thong thong View attachment 439509

Lol my brain went here

 

[19Mateo83]

That thong tha thong thong thong View attachment 439509

I knew it wouldn’t take too long before the peanut gallery chimed in on this one. Im happy to see y’all don’t disappoint

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

I knew it wouldn’t take too long before the peanut gallery chimed in on this one. Im happy to see y’all don’t disappoint

With your "Silly Nose Glasses Avatar" or whatever the cool kids are calling it, you're kind of asking me to joke around.

 

[19Mateo83]

Lol my brain went here

View attachment 439515

With your "Silly Nose Glasses Avatar" or whatever the cool kids are calling it, you're kind of asking me to joke around.

Oh yea, I love the shenanigans!
https://pureflorida.blogspot.com/2006/01/real-thong-tree.html?m=1
God bless Florida

 

[dbonsaiw]

With your "Silly Nose Glasses Avatar"

The nose and stash are real!

 

[HorseloverFat]

The nose and stash are real!

I remember as a young boy, raised in christian cult 90's, Not being sure if Groucho Marx... was a Marx-IST... because mainstream comedy AND socialism were SO demonized. (In those "Faith Free" Christian Church Academies)

Still mad about that information curtain... REAL mad.

Just like how the Church demonizes and FORBADE reading "The Divine Comedy"...

After I read it.. I understand, why.

 

[19Mateo83]

I remember as a young boy, raised in christian cult 90's, Not being sure if Groucho Marx... was a Marx-IST... because mainstream comedy AND socialism were SO demonized. (In those "Faith Free" Christian Church Academies)

Still mad about that information curtain... REAL mad.

Just like how the Church demonizes and FORBADE reading "The Divine Comedy"...

After I read it.. I understand, why.

My folks fell into one of those in the 90’s. I absolutely refused to go. Of course this was not an option in my parents eyes, I needed church! Well after many arguments and empty church chairs later I finally won and got kicked out of the church. (Ha ha! Take that cult church!) when it was all said and done and the cult church was exposed for what it was I finally got a “you were right” from my folks. Man! Hearing those words was sweeter than any wine! That was one of those interesting life experiences and now looking back at it I’m not mad about it. I had alot of fun figuring out ways to disappear and to get asked to leave.

 

[HorseloverFat]

My folks fell into one of those in the 90’s. I absolutely refused to go. Of course this was not an option in my parents eyes, I needed church! Well after many arguments and empty church chairs later I finally won and got kicked out of the church. (Ha ha! Take that cult church!) when it was all said and done and the cult church was exposed for what it was I finally got a “you were right” from my folks. Man! Hearing those words was sweeter than any wine! That was one of those interesting life experiences and now looking back at it I’m not mad about it. I had alot of fun figuring out ways to disappear and to get asked to leave.

My parents have seemingly blocked the whole thing out..

Trying to tell my kids, "Yeah Leo used to always dress up for halloween!"

As I stand there... mouth open in shock..

Many times I tried to discuss this with them..

And they still argue... "Faith"...

a lil' frustrating.