A whisper from the woods

Amazing Trees: Nature’s Astonishing Wonders

Sep 12, 2023

Nature has gifted us with breathtaking beauty and undeniable serenity. Trees, in particular, stand tall as both a testimony to the resilience of life and a reminder of the awe-inspiring wonders that surround us. In this article, we will delve into the realm of two magnificent trees that showcase the true brilliance of nature and remind us of why it is so incredibly awesome.

 

General Sherman: The Mighty Giant Sequoia

Standing tall in California’s Sequoia National Park, General Sherman commands unwavering respect as the largest tree on Earth. This magnificent giant sequoia is estimated to be approximately 2,200 years old, stands at a height of 83.8 meters (274.9 feet), and has a diameter at its base of 11.1 meters (36.5 feet). The General Sherman Tree is a popular tourist attraction and is named after the American Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman.

Tourist in Sequoia National Park in front of the largest tree in the world – General Sherman tree. California, United States.

 

The Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree: Nature’s Enigmatic Beauty

The Rainbow Eucalyptus tree, also known as Eucalyptus deglupta, is a unique and visually striking tree native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. It is highly recognized for its multi-colored bark, which peels off in strips to expose bright green, blue, purple, orange, and maroon patches underneath.

The distinctive coloration of the bark is due to a natural process called exfoliation, where the tree sheds its outermost layer. As the bark peels away, a new layer is formed, revealing the vibrant colors that gradually fade and turn brown over time.

The Rainbow Eucalyptus tree can grow to be very tall, reaching heights of up to almost 61 meters (200 feet), with a diameter of about 1.8 meters (6 feet). Its leaves are long and narrow, with a glossy green color. It produces small white flowers that bloom in clusters, and its fruits are woody capsules containing numerous seeds.

These trees are living testament to the resilience and beauty of nature.

A grove of colourful Rainbow Eucalyptus trees at the Ke’anae Arboretum on Maui’s famous Road to Hana, Hawaii, USA.

 

Written by Imam Maiyaki
GTI Regional Coordinator Nigeria

 

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3 Comments

  1. Jennifer Troyan

    The sequoias and rainbow eucalyptus – both amazing and lovely trees. I have a couple of friends who have rainbow eucalyptus trees in their years and they are stunning.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Troyan

      yards, not years

      Reply
  2. Kika Gusmao

    I have never seen any of these species in person, but one can tell they are magnificent, and by the photos.

    Thank you, Imam!

    Reply

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