LOMBARDY POPLAR

Continuing with the tree project - Now I dont want to offend anyone - but this tree has a definate similarity to a tree thats pregnant - No I know they dont get pregnant - they get what're called 'warts'  and this one has a huge one that just to me looks like a pregnant tree !!
My tree project ( I hope ) wlll be more of interest than botanical as I did yesterdaycombining a portrait with a Pinus Pinastus. 
The tree warts are very sought after by wood turners or carvers. They wip them off with a chainsaw and carve bowls and the like.  The wood inside is very knarly and colourful.
This tree has its roots back in Italy - and somewhere in my tiny wee brain there is a connection with Napoleon but I do believe that was with the Christchurch Willows. Anyway this speciman 'Populus Nigra' or black poplar is around 80 - 90 years old and can be found at the back of the Beckenham Library.
PS it has some fungi growing in its wart !! - you can see it if careful looky
rgds poo