What Are the Strangest Trees in the World?
Forests cover approximately 31% of the Earth’s surface and play a vital role in air purification, oxygen production, providing shade, and protecting soil from erosion. Notably, certain trees have gained historical significance due to their unique shapes, lifespan, or size. Here, we highlight some of the most unusual trees around the globe:
Dragon’s Blood Tree
The Dragon’s Blood Tree is native to the Socotra archipelago in Yemen, a remote group of islands that resemble giant mushrooms in appearance. This tree derives its name from the red sap it produces, resembling blood, and is also known as the Blood of the Dragon Tree. According to local legend, a fierce battle between a dragon and an elephant resulted in the tree growing from the spilled blood.
The Dragon’s Blood Tree dates back over 50 million years. Some Yemeni myths link its existence to the story of the brothers Cain and Abel, claiming they were the first inhabitants of Socotra. It is said that the sapling emerged from the blood of Abel after Cain committed the first murder on earth.
This tree can reach heights of up to 10 meters. Locals harvest its red sap for various uses, including dyes, medicinal applications, and even toothpaste.
The red sap it produces is a type of resin that is odorless and tasteless. Interestingly, the tree also produces red honey, one of the most expensive types of honey in the world, boasting numerous health benefits. Its roots are utilized in some treatments, such as for rheumatism, while its wood is employed in various industries, especially in beehive construction. Additionally, its leaves are used to make ropes.
Tree of Life
Standing alone in the heart of Bahrain’s desert for around 430 years, the Tree of Life is renowned for its longevity and resilience in a harsh environment, where there is no evident water source nearby. It can withstand temperatures reaching up to 110 degrees Celsius.
It is believed that the Tree of Life has deep roots that reach down to find water sources. The tree stands approximately 9.75 meters tall, and locals consider its location as a potential site for the biblical Garden of Eden. Each year, the tree attracts over 50,000 visitors.
Methuselah Tree
This tree is named after the oldest biblical figure, Methuselah, and is recognized as one of the oldest trees in the world, with an estimated age of 4,841 years. The Methuselah Tree is located in California, specifically in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains, boasting a height of about 12 meters and a diameter of 8 meters.
El Árbol del Tule
Nestled in Mexico, the El Árbol del Tule is extraordinary due to its massive size, boasting a height of over 35 meters and a trunk circumference of approximately 36 meters, with a trunk diameter of 11 meters.
Initially believed to be formed from multiple trunks, it has since been confirmed as a single tree with a singular trunk. Estimated to be around 1,500 years old, the tree’s bark is notably twisted, allowing visitors to see faces or animal shapes, such as lions and elephants, within the bark’s knots and grooves.
Boab Prison Tree
The unique Boab Prison Tree stands in Australia, near Derby, and gets its name from its history as a temporary holding cell for prisoners before their transfer to other facilities.
This tree has become a highly popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to glimpse its interior. It is estimated to be around 1,500 years old and is characterized by its substantial size, with a trunk circumference of approximately 15 meters.
Canopy Tree
Found in Central and South America, the Canopy Tree can grow up to 35 meters tall. Known for its cannonball-like fruit, the tree’s large, round, and heavy fruits create a loud thud when they fall, reminiscent of cannon fire.
Wawona Tree
Located in Yosemite National Park in California, the Wawona tree is over 2,300 years old, towering at 69 meters high, with a trunk diameter of about 8 meters at the base.
In 1881, a tunnel was carved through the Wawona tree to allow vehicles to pass through, transforming it into a renowned tourist site for 88 years. Unfortunately, the tree eventually collapsed due to the accumulation of heavy snow and the moisture in the soil.