Trees are the oldest and the largest living things on earth. Some are weird, some extraordinary, some gorgeous, and some shaped by the human hand to fascinate and amuse. Please enjoy these images–or better yet, take a walk in the woods and greet them in person with appreciation.
As Patricia Hays suggested in the comments below, if you’re inclined, you can listen to Paul Robeson sing about trees while you meander through this post. Thanks to Tom Reiter for forwarding the link.
2000 years old tree in South Africa known as tree of life (Baobab)
The oldest tree on earth, great basin bristle cone pine, Oldest trees, over 5000 years old, in California
General Sherman tree, Sequoia Redwood, the largest living single-stem tree and largest living organism on earth in California
Costa Rica
Jabuticaba, a Brazilian grape tree The fruit grows directly from the trunk and branches of the tree.
eucalyptus
Coconut trees , Lombok, Bali, Indonesia
Banyan tree
Toborochi tree
by Hengki Koentjoro via pinterest
Mossy Roots, Sintra, Portugal
Boabab, Also known as the tree of life
Cypress
Cannonball tree, by Douglas Peebles Photography, Alamy, fruit grows directly on the trunk
Jennifer Long, Janus Photo Arts on Flickr
Olive tree
Madagascar’s ancient forest of baobab trees
Spanish moss
Jason Hehir photography
By Patrick Dougherty, made from willows
Moss on oak trees
Thanks to: 9Wows, and Dean.
Tule tree, S. Mexico
This post is a group effort. Here’s a lovely tree poem/prayer that has been going around the internet with these images. Thanks to George for forwarding it to me:
An Ancient Prayer of the Woods
I am the heat of your hearth on the cold winter nights,
the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun,
and my fruits are refreshing
droughts quenching your thirst as you journey on.
I am the beam that holds your house,
the board of your table,
the bed on which you lie,
and the timber that builds your boat.
I am the handle of your hoe,
the door of your homestead,
the wood of your cradle,
and the shell of your coffin.
I am the bread of kindness and the flower of beauty.
‘Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer: Harm me not.’
(A prayer used in Portuguese forest preservation for more than 1,000 years)
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The determination of life is the strongest desire.
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything this way prior to.
What wisdom can be found in these survivors? They are breathtaking and beautiful beyond belief! Thank you to all who captured these magnificent images.
Absolutely beaytiful.