Mast (botany)

Mast (Botany)

Mast is a term used in botany to describe the fruits or seeds of trees and shrubs that are produced in large quantities and serve as a food source for wildlife. The term is derived from the Old English word "mæst", which means the nuts of forest trees that are used as feed for swine.

Types of Mast

There are two main types of mast: Hard Mast and Soft Mast.

Hard Mast

Hard mast refers to the nuts and seeds of trees and shrubs that have a hard outer shell. This includes acorns from Oak Trees, hickory nuts from Hickory Trees, and beechnuts from Beech Trees. These types of mast are typically high in fat and protein, making them a valuable food source for wildlife.

Soft Mast

Soft mast refers to the fruits and berries of trees and shrubs that have a soft outer covering. This includes fruits like apples from Apple Trees, cherries from Cherry Trees, and berries from Berry Bushes. Soft mast is typically high in carbohydrates and sugars, making it a valuable food source for wildlife.

Mast Year

A Mast Year is a year in which trees and shrubs produce a significantly larger than average amount of mast. Mast years are typically followed by years of lower than average mast production. The reasons for this phenomenon are not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to weather conditions and the health of the tree or shrub.

Importance of Mast

Mast is an important food source for a variety of wildlife species. Many species of birds, mammals, and insects rely on mast for their survival. In addition, mast plays a crucial role in the reproduction of trees and shrubs. By producing large quantities of mast, trees and shrubs increase their chances of successful seed dispersal and germination.

See Also

• Seed Dispersal
• Forest Ecology
• Wildlife Management

References

• The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan
• The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben
• The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees by Douglas W. Tallamy

External Links

• Mast Producing Trees and Shrubs - U.S. Forest Service
• Mast and Wildlife - National Wildlife Federation