trees

here are some interesting tree trivia that i've found in my commonplace book recently:

- trees are the longest-living organisms on earth and never actually die of old age.
- trees can communicate with insects that attack them. some trees can fill their leaves with medicinal-like substances to protect themselves against insect attacks and other plants.
- pine trees can grow on every continent except antarctica.
- trees can lower air temperature by evaporating water from their leaves.
- if a bird's nest is attached to a tree branch, the tree can't grow upward.
- a tree's trunk grows in summer, while its roots grow during fall and winter.
- trees growing in sunny spots have thicker bark compared to those growing in shade. shade-grown trees usually have thinner bark.
- trees growing in humid areas and near large water sources have large/broad leaves. trees in dry environments with little water have small and tough leaves.
- oak trees, which can adapt to most environments, represent wisdom, strength, and loyalty.
- oak trees attract more lightning than other trees.
- oak trees don't produce acorns until they're 50 years old.
- there are about 3 trillion trees on earth. tree numbers have decreased by 46% since the neolithic period.
- pine cones have genders.
- botanically speaking, palm trees aren't actually trees - they're large woody plants.
- the locations of the world's tallest and oldest trees are kept secret to prevent tourist damage to the trees and their surroundings.
- according to botanic gardens conservation international, there are 60,065 tree species worldwide, but 300 of these are on the brink of extinction.
- trees can reduce unwanted noise by masking sound waves, particularly with their leaves and branches.
- spending time in nature around trees reduces mental fatigue and muscle tension. life is calmer in areas with more trees.
- trees help prevent air and water pollution.
- trees are just as important for wildlife as they are for humans. they provide food, shade, and habitat for many wild animals.