One of the trials of being an alder tree.

The alder trees have produced a bumper crop of female cones this year. A couple of the cones in this bunch, the ones with the peculiar red protuberances, have been infected by the fungus Taphrina alni.
In response to the infection the cone produces a red gall, known as alder tongue, which the fungus uses as a platform from which to disperse its reproductive spores. Isn't life truly complicated and wonderful?