Think all trees are the same? Think they’re pretty boring? Well, think again. Trees are fascinating living things that do so much more than simply stand there looking attractive. Their timeframe of life is vastly different to ours. They grow and act so much slower that we often don’t realise they are busy at work. Some of them are so unusual and unique that they deserve a special mention in this ode to all things tree-related.
- The Boab Prison Tree
In Western Australia sits a tree that has served a useful purpose for the people living in the town of Derby. The tree got its name due to its stout trunk with a wide circumference that has had a small prison cell carved into it. Police who had to walk prisoners to the town would use the cell as an overnight stop off before continuing to their final destination.
The tree is thought to be over 1000 years old and the many visitors who come to see this tree cell must view it from behind a fence to avoid causing damage. If any of your trees, however normal or unusual need help, then call a Tree Surgeon Bournemouth today. Why use a tree surgeon? Because they are specially trained to look after the health, maintenance and safety of all types of UK trees.
- The Dragon Blood Tree
Off the coast of Somalia lies the Socotra Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Here you’ll find a highly unusual tree with a bare trunk and branches only at the top that display sharp and spiky leaves. However, it’s not only the outward appearance that’s noteworthy. If you pierce the trunk, a red sap oozes out from within. This is the reason for its name. The Dragon Blood is dried and used for medicinal purposes and as a dye. It’s also used as a red varnish for violins.
- Jabuticaba
A native fruit tree of Brazil, what makes this tree is unique is that the fruit grows all over the trunk as well and not just on the branches. The fruit is small and black, similar to grapes and can be eaten whole or pressed into wine or juice. The blossom from which the fruit grow are also unusual, being white and hairy.
- Kauri
The giant redwoods might get all the fame for their height and girth, but the Kauri of New Zealand likes to give them a run for their money. It is one of the biggest trees in the world by volume of wood. The Kauri trees can grow up to 50m in height. Although this isn’t the tallest, what makes them special is that, unlike a redwood, the Kauri doesn’t taper in at the top. The trees were heavily logged in the 1800s and the resin was a big commodity as it was used in varnish. The quantity and durability of the wood is such that workable wood has been uncovered in bogs from 50,000 years ago!
- Rainbow Eucalyptus
This stunning tree has immensely colourful bark. So much so that you’d think it was a practical joke! It is native to the Philippines and as the bark grows older, its sheds the outer layer to reveal a different shade underneath. Depending on the age, colours include greens, blues, purples, oranges and browns. As the bark is shed irregularly, different coloured patches appear right across the trunk.
