6 Strange And Beautiful Trees From Across The World

 

People learn at a very early age just how important trees are to the world – they give us shade from harmful UV rays, hold the soil together to prevent erosion, and play a vital role in providing air. It is easy to admire their utility, however it is very easy to overlook just how interesting and beautiful they can be. Here are a number of strange and wondrous trees from across our amazing planet for your enjoyment.


6. Baobab Tree

Perhaps you read The Little Prince as a child and are familiar with the name, but most are probably not able to easily recognize this oddly shaped African native. The more uniquely shaped of this species is the Teapot Baobab, which has a fire-resistant trunk that can store great amounts of water.


5. Dragon’s Blood Tree

Despite its gruesome sounding name this sculpted looking tree is a strange and beautiful sight on the Socotra island of Yemen. Various parts of the tree have homeopathic uses, such as the root – which is used as an astringent and a toothpaste, the resin – used as a dye due to its deep red color, and the leaves – which are used to prevent flatulence.


4. Oak Tree

Because it is so common and has so many varying species, it’s easy to write off the Oak Tree as something unremarkable, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Usually prized for its wood, the world has so many examples of how beautiful this plant can be no matter how often it is overlooked.


3. Jabuticaba

After looking at the picture, you might be surprised to know that this tree is not at all covered with some kind of strange parasite. Native to Brazil, the fruit of this bizarre tree, often compared to grapes, grows out of the trunk instead of the tree’s branches.


2. African Tulip Tree

This tree, also sometimes referred to as the Nandi Flame because of the fiery red color of its flowers, is believed by many to be one of the most beautiful flowering trees in the world. Despite its use in ornamental landscaping, the plant is considered by many to be a weed because it is so invasive.


1. Weeping Willow

Though many kinds of willow trees exist, it is hard to mistake the Weeping Willow for any other tree because of its elegant, drooping branches. Though it is most often used ornamentally, the wood is used for a variety of manufacturing purposes (cricket bats, broom handles and furniture) as well as medical applications as its bark contains salicylic acid, an important anti-inflammatory.