X Y L E M I A
Real time sapflows from the Garden of Ruinart
Xylemia shows how much the tree is drinking in real time.
Through sensors it can measure the sap-flow inside of a tree, than this data is visualised in the sculptures, flowing faster when its rainy or a hot sunny day, or slower in times of draught and night.
The works are a real-time peek into the response of nature when the climate is fluctuating.
SAP-FLOWS FROM 3 TREES IN THE RUINART ARTIST GARDEN
The 3 Trees in the garden .
Blue and Yellow lines are the Pines.
The green line is the hornbeam
DATA FOR PER TREE
Sculpture º1
Tree type:
Pinus pinea
Stone pine
Pin parasol
Nº1 Sapflow of Tree : Pinus pinea Sensor Nº 21319
Location of sculpture : Left side of the Garden Path
TREE’S SAP FLOW DATA OVER 3 DAYS
Nº2 Sapflow of Tree : Carpinus betulus Sensor Nº 21318
Location of sculpture : MID side of the Garden Path
TREE’S SAP FLOW DATA OVER 3 DAYS
Tree type:
Carpinus betulus
European hornbeam
Charme commun
Tree type:
Pinus pinea
Stone pine
Pin parasol
Nº3 Sapflow of Tree : Pinus pinea Sensor Nº 21317
Location of sculpture : MID side of the Garden Path
TREE’S SAP FLOW DATA OVER 3 DAYS
WHAT IS A SAPFLOW SENSOR
A sap flow sensor is a specialized device that measures the rate at which sap—a mixture of water and nutrients—moves through a tree's xylem vessels, offering critical insights into the tree's health and its response to environmental conditions. In Xylemia, advanced sap flow sensors from Decentlab are used to detect these sap movements by analyzing temperature changes within the tree trunk. This real-time data is then visually translated within the artwork, revealing the vital lifeblood of trees and connecting visitors to the unseen rhythms of nature.
A sap flow sensor is minimally invasive, using small probes that only penetrate the outer layers of the tree without reaching deep into vital tissues, ensuring the tree's health is not compromised. The small wounds created by the probes typically heal quickly, causing no lasting damage to the tree.
Analyzing data from a sap flow sensor involves interpreting the sap flux density, which is the volume of sap moving through a given area of xylem over time. This data is typically collected continuously and can be visualized to observe patterns and trends in the tree's water uptake. By examining these patterns, researchers can assess the tree's response to environmental factors such as drought, temperature changes, or soil moisture levels. Advanced analysis may involve correlating sap flow data with other environmental data, such as humidity or solar radiation, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the tree's physiological responses and overall health. This analysis provides valuable insights into the tree's water use efficiency and its ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
find out more
Research 1