Robin's Pin Cushion gall

Galls are growths on plants caused by insects such as Gall Wasps. There are lots of different types and each makes its gall in a particular type of plant. A female Gall Wasp injects her eggs into a plant with an ‘ovipositor’, which looks like a sharp needle. It’s thought that special chemicals injected by Gall Wasps make the plant grow differently, forming a gall. The gall is a safe home as well as a source of food for the babies. This is a Robin’s Pincushion Gall, that grew on a leaf bud.