Strange Plant Species on Earth

Trees are an essential component of the natural landscape and a bountiful source of oxygen, food, shelter, building materials, and protection for all other living creatures on Earth.

Apart from common species, our planet is home to several unusual trees with extraordinary sizes and shapes. Let’s explore some of them:

1. Pirangi Cashew Tree (Brazil)

This is the largest cashew tree in the world, covering an area of 8,500 square meters. With dimensions of 91.4 meters by 91.4 meters, the Pirangi cashew tree creates an image of a small forest. Each year, this strange tree produces 8,000 fruits.

2. Tree of Life (Bahrain)

The Tree of Life in Bahrain is one of the world’s mysteries and often appears in most rankings of the most unusual plants on Earth. This 400-year-old tree thrives in an isolated desert area with scarce water. The mystery of its survival in harsh conditions has turned it into a legend, and it is referred to as the “Tree of Life.” The location of this tree is also tied to mythology, as local residents believe it once marked the site of the Garden of Eden.

3. Allouville-Bellefosse Oak (France)

This is one of the most famous trees in France, over 1,000 years old. In fact, it is more than just a tree; it also serves as a building and a religious symbol. In 1969, two priests, l’Abbe du Detroit and du Cerceau, decided to build a chapel inside a 500-year-old oak (at that time) which had been struck by lightning and hollowed out. Currently, some parts of the oak have died, and the top of the tree continues to shrink each year. The bark, which has fallen off over the years, is now covered with layers of protective shingles. However, as a symbol, the Allouville-Bellefosse oak seems to have a “timeless immortality.”

4. Baobab Tree (Madagascar)

With its unique shape, baobab trees are among the most captivating plants in the world. This special species thrives in Madagascar and is often referred to as the “Tea Baobab.” Most of the year, these trees are leafless. Their thick, swollen trunks are fire-resistant and store water during the dry months. You will be amazed to see that some baobab trunks are so large that people can actually live inside them.

5. General Sherman Tree (USA)

The General Sherman Tree is a 2,500-year-old giant with a height of 83.8 meters, located in Sequoia National Park, USA. Its trunk circumference measures up to 31 meters. In January 2006, the largest branch of this ancient tree broke off. However, this does not change its title as the “largest tree.”

6. Silk Cotton Tree (Cambodia)

Ta Prohm Temple, also known as the Jungle Temple, located in the Angkor Thom complex, features trees growing in astonishing ways. No words can describe the surreal experience until you visit and witness the strangeness firsthand. Clearly, this site was abandoned for a long time and has since evolved into what is now called the Angkor Archaeological Park. In every direction, the trunks of the silk cotton trees reach skyward, hidden under massive green canopies. The base of the trees resembles octopus tentacles sprawling across the ground, with long roots coiling beneath the surface like snakes.

7. Tule Tree (Mexico)

The most famous tree in Mexico, the Tule Tree (Arbol del Tule), grows near the city of Oaxaca. It may not be the largest or oldest tree in the world, but the Tule Tree holds the title for the largest trunk circumference (nearly 50 meters). It is best not to view this tree as a solitary symbol; in fact, there is a whole family of ancient trees. Rooted in the town of Santa María del Tule, the Tule Tree and its surrounding parts create a unique natural monument.

8. Dragon Tree (Canary Islands)

The Dragon Tree is found in de los Vinos in Tenerife, Canary Islands, and is estimated to be between 650 and 1,500 years old. This tree inherits its name from a mythological origin: Hercules had to retrieve three golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides, which was guarded by the hundred-headed dragon, Ladon. Hercules killed Ladon, and the dragon’s blood spilled onto the ground, allowing the “dragon trees” to sprout. This tree secretes “dragon’s blood” (red resin) when cut.

9. Wollemi Pine (Australia)

The unique qualities of the Wollemi Pine lie not in its appearance but in its history of existence. It is a “living dinosaur” that was nearly extinct before being discovered in Sydney, Australia, in 1994. The tree now carries the nickname “crown jewel of the plant kingdom.” Previously, it was only known through a 120-million-year-old fossil. Very few of this type of pine still exist in the wild, but efforts have been made to conserve it over time.

10. The Circus Tree (USA)

Axel Erlandson’s passion for tree sculpture led to the creation of a collection of trees that attracted tourists near Santa Cruz, California, in 1974. People from all over the United States flocked to admire these strange and impressive plant masterpieces, collectively known as his Circus Trees. With skilled hands and techniques, Erlandson began to carve everything on the bodies of living, growing trees. One of his uniquely creative products is the famous “Basket Tree,” which is composed of six grafted sycamore trees intertwined through 42 joints to form a basket shape.

11. The Quiver Tree in Namibia

The forest of quiver trees in Namibia is a unique location featuring strange Aloe dichotoma trees, which are large but hollow. Despite living in a dry desert environment, they have a majestic and captivating appearance. The stout trunks, with their brown-yellow scales, create a unique picture in the desert landscape. Quiver trees are not only beautiful in appearance but also hold cultural value, as they are used by indigenous people for making quivers or storing food and water. This species faces the threat of vulnerability due to climate change, and efforts are underway to protect it by distributing seeds to cooler areas. The forest of quiver trees is recognized as a national monument in Namibia.

12. Hyperion

Hyperion – the nickname of a redwood tree in Northern California, USA, stands over twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. A team of scientists confirmed Hyperion’s impressive height at 379.1 feet (approximately 115.5 meters). Fortunately, the tree was protected while the surrounding area was being logged. Its exact location remains a secret to avoid attention and potential damage from curious visitors. The Hyperion tree is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of conservation and secrecy.

13. Pejibaye Palm Tree

The Pejibaye palm tree is one of the most unusual plants, covered with thousands of sharp spines along its trunk. Native to Central America, it bears fruit resembling small coconuts, known for their delicious flavor. However, harvesting the fruit requires careful navigation around its sharp thorns. The tree can reach heights of up to 20 meters, with leaves extending over 3 meters long. Local indigenous people enjoy eating Pejibaye fruit after it is prepared. Today, it continues to be used as a specialty food packed with vitamins and minerals. This unique dish is a must-try when visiting Costa Rica.

14. Burmis Tree

The Burmis tree is famous for its graceful form, located near Alberta, Canada. Although it passed away in the 1970s, the tree remains remarkably strong, showing no signs of decay. Despite having lost some branches over the years, local residents have made efforts to prop it up, creating a striking sight that attracts photographers from around the world. It is estimated that the tree could live between 600 to 750 years, making it a unique and fascinating natural landmark.

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