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marble gall
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marble gall

plant tissue swelling
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Quick Summary

Marble galls are plant tissue swellings caused by the larvae of gall wasps, specifically the species Andricus kollari. These wasps, belonging to the family Cynipidae, stimulate abnormal growth in plants, forming characteristic galls. The marble gall is typically a green or brown growth, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter, and can sometimes contain numerous larvae. Gall wasps are small insects, and while most are not economically significant, some galls have been historically used for their tannic acid content in the production of inks and dyes.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. gall wasp
  2. oak gall

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