It's a nice texture, well photographed. The problem is that it is JUST a texture. Some sort of focus of interest, maybe a larger rock, or a feather, would have made this a 10.
Nice clear shot that certainly meets the challenge. I wish there was a little more variation in color, but the border adds to this image nicely (it's B/W on the outside, right?). Really good DOF too. This one takes some examination (and I'm afraid it will probably be overlooked by many viewers/voters) to really appreciate it. Nice work. Bumping up.
Actutally, for as "boring" as this shot should be, it comes out rather nice. That's not meant to be offensive, at all, by the way, and I hope it wasn't taken that way. I'm not a big fan of the frame being so far in, but the texture is certainly there!