Tag: trees
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Is the Dragon Blood Tree dangerous? Separating fact from fiction
Native to the Socotra Archipelago in the Arabian Sea, the Dragon Blood Tree, scientifically known as Dracaena cinnabari, is an evergreen species that can live for hundreds of years. Its distinct umbrella-like canopy and intriguing red resin, known as “dragon’s blood,” have made it a subject of folklore and scientific curiosity alike. But what everyone…
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Is Daisugi Real? The Ancient Japanese Tree-Growing Technique
The Japanese forestry method for harvesting wood, daisugi (meaning “cedar table”), goes as far back as the 14th century to solve a seedling shortage in Kyoto. Yes, Daisugi is real, not a hoax. Let’s explore the ancient Japanese technique for growing trees out of trees The 700-year-old technique involves pruning a tree’s branches like giant…
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The beauty of Madagascar’s giant Baobab trees
The Grandidier’s Baobabs (Palmate adansonia) are giant trees indigenous to Africa. Nicknamed the “mother of the forest,” this species of Baobab tree is predominantly found off Africa’s mainland in the island country of Madagascar. Baobabs can live up to 800 to 1000 years with their unique ability to act as water storage tanks. The trees…
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Is the iconic Banyan tree in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, still standing?
The Maui wildfire that razed through Lahaina Town and left 99 dead is still revealing the aftermath of its massive destruction. Yet, one glimmer of hope has emerged amidst the devastation: the landmark banyan tree in Lahaina remains charred but still stands. The Banyan tree becomes a symbol of Lahaina’s resilience Planted in 1873 to…
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The inspiring journey of Julia Butterfly Hill and her 738-day tree-sit
Imagine spending two years perched on the upper branches of an ancient redwood tree, battling the elements, and doing everything possible to raise awareness about deforestation. Sounds impossible, right? Not for Julia Butterfly Hill, an extraordinary woman whose commitment to environmental preservation led her to live in a tree for 738 days. Let’s explore her…
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Dragon Blood Tree: Delving into the Mystique of the Rare and Enigmatic Species
The captivating Dragon Blood Tree, also known Socotran dragon tree (Draceana cinnabari) is a rare and unusual tree species. This unique tree is native to the Socotra archipelago, part of Yemen. The tree gets its name from the dark red sap it produces within its umbrella-shaped branches. The red resin, which oozes from cracks in the bark,…
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Crown shyness: Nature’s way of social distancing
Certain tree species in the forest resist touching each other as they grow, a natural event known as crown shyness. Here’s an aerial view of the jigsaw-like spacing. What explains the puzzle piece-shaped canopy? More than one theory explains why social distancing amongst the trees occurs. Scientists suggest that the channel-like gaps between the treetops…
