Dark hedges, Baobab Alley, Rainbow Eucalyptus, Dragon trees: the most unusual forests and alleys

Trees are not only a source of oxygen, they can form amazing places where many secrets and mysteries are hidden. Our planet is rich in a variety of forests and alleys, each with its own features and legends.

In this article, we will tell you about the unusual forests and alleys of our planet that amaze with their beauty and mystery. You will learn how they were formed, how they gained world fame, what legends and myths are associated with them, and many other interesting and amazing facts. Get ready for an exciting journey through the most unusual forests and alleys in the world!

 

Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland

 

Dark Hedges (Dark Hedges) — is an alley of 150 beech trees that stretches along Bregagh Road in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is one of the most photogenic and mysterious places in the region, attracting tourists from all over the world. Next, we will present several interesting facts about this unique landmark.

• The alley was planted in 1775 by the Stuart family, who wanted to create an impressive approach to their Gracehill House estate.
• According to legend, the alley is visited by the ghost of the Grey Lady, who moves from tree to tree and disappears after the last one. There are several versions of who she is: the daughter of James Stuart, a maid who died under mysterious circumstances, or the spirit from an abandoned cemetery under the field.
• The alley became famous thanks to the series "Game of Thrones," where it was used as a filming location for the "Kingsroad" - the path Arya Stark ran from King's Landing. The alley also appeared in the movie "Transformers: The Last Knight."
• Of the 150 trees originally planted, about 90 remained by 2016. Some trees were damaged or fell during strong storms in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. In 2021, two more trees were knocked down by Storm Arwen, causing concern for the preservation of the remaining ones.
• In 2017, Bregagh Road was closed to traffic to protect the trees from damage and degradation caused by the large flow of visitors. Parking and toilets are located at the Hedges Hotel, which is a two-minute walk from the alley.

Dark Hedges is an amazing place that combines history, mystique, and the beauty of nature. It is a place worth seeing with your own eyes and feeling its atmosphere.

 

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Avenue of the Baobabs or Baobab Avenue – is an amazing place on the island of Madagascar, where you can see rare and ancient trees that look like upside-down roots. These trees are called Grandidier's baobabs (Adansonia grandidieri) and are endemic to Madagascar, meaning they only grow here. Grandidier's baobabs can reach 30 meters in height and 10 meters in diameter, and their age is estimated in hundreds of years. They can store up to 120,000 liters of water in their trunks, which helps them survive in the dry climate.

The Avenue of the Baobabs is located in the western part of Madagascar, along the dirt road between the towns of Morondava and Belon'i Tsiribihina. Along this stretch of road, there are about 25 baobabs, creating a unique landscape. It is one of the most popular and visited places on the island, attracting tourists from all over the world. It is especially beautiful here at sunset, when the trees stand out against the sky and rice fields.

The Avenue of the Baobabs is recognized as an important natural monument of Madagascar and is protected. Unfortunately, Grandidier's baobabs are threatened with extinction due to deforestation, fires, and pollution. Local organizations and authorities are trying to preserve these unique trees for future generations.

The Avenue of the Baobabs is a place worth seeing with your own eyes, to feel its atmosphere and admire its beauty. It is a place that demonstrates the richness and diversity of Madagascar's nature, as well as its vulnerability and the need for protection. It is a place that inspires and makes one reflect on the value of life on our planet.

 

Rainbow Eucalyptus, Southeast Asia and Oceania

Rainbow Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus deglupta) — is an amazing tree that grows in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and Oceania. It is so named because its bark has colorful stripes that change depending on the season and the age of the tree. The bark peels away, revealing bright colors such as green, blue, orange, purple, and red. This makes these trees resemble a rainbow or an artistic canvas.

The Rainbow Eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 75 meters in height. Its leaves have an elongated shape and a fragrant smell. Its flowers are white or cream-colored, and its fruits are woody capsules. This tree is used for decorative purposes, as well as for the production of paper, furniture, and essential oils. The Rainbow Eucalyptus also has medicinal properties, as its leaves contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory substances.

Some interesting facts about the Rainbow Eucalyptus:

• It is the only species of eucalyptus that grows in the northern hemisphere, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
• This tree is also called the "chameleon tree" because it changes color depending on the temperature, humidity, and sunlight.
• This tree is also called "rainbow gum". Gum is a high-molecular carbohydrate that is released by plants when the bark is damaged. The Rainbow Eucalyptus has very thin and easily peeling bark, which forms colorful stripes on the trunk. These stripes resemble gum, which also has various colors depending on the source and method of processing. Thus, the Rainbow Eucalyptus got its name for its colorful and gum-like bark.
• The Rainbow Eucalyptus is also called "Mindanao gum" because it grows on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, where it is the national tree.

The Rainbow Eucalyptus is a unique and beautiful tree that amazes with its variety of colors and shapes. This tree is a valuable resource for the ecology, economy, and culture of the regions where it grows. This tree is also an example of how nature can create amazing works of art.

 

Dragon Trees, Yemen

Dragon Tree (Dracaena cinnabari) is an unusual and rare plant that grows on the Yemeni island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean. It is called so because a red sap, similar to blood, oozes from its trunk and branches. This sap is called "dragon's blood" and has many healing and magical properties. This tree is also often called the Socotra Dragon Tree or Dragon Blood Tree.

The Dragon Tree is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height. Its crown has the shape of an umbrella, and its leaves are gathered in bunches at the ends of the branches. Its flowers are white or pink, and the fruits are red berries.

Dragon Trees do not form dense forests. Typically, they grow in sparse groups or individually on mountain slopes and rocks. This is due to the fact that these trees are very sensitive to changes in climate and soil, as well as being susceptible to logging and grazing. However, dragon trees are an important part of the island's ecosystem, as they provide shelter and food for many species of animals and plants.

Finally, let's mention a few interesting facts about the dragon tree.

• The Socotra Dragon Tree is one of the most ancient plants on Earth, which has existed since the era of dinosaurs. It is also endemic to Socotra island, meaning it grows only in this place.
• This tree is a symbol of Socotra island and its biodiversity. It is also included in the IUCN Red List as a vulnerable species, threatened with extinction.
• The tree is used in folk medicine, cosmetics, dyeing, and religious rituals. Its sap has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and analgesic effects. It is also considered an aphrodisiac, an antidote, and a means to induce love.
• The Dragon Blood Tree also has mythological and cultural significance. According to one legend, it originated from the blood of a dragon that was killed by a hero named Dikam Ali Zeyd. According to another version, it was created by the god of Socotra, who wanted to decorate his island.
• The Dragon Tree is one of the longest-living plants on Earth. Its exact age is hard to determine because there are no annual rings inside the trunk. However, some estimates suggest that some trees may live up to 9000 years.

The Dragon Tree is an amazing and mysterious plant that impresses with its beauty, longevity, and properties. It is a living witness to the history and culture of Socotra island, as well as an important element of its unique nature. The tree is also an example of how nature can create amazing and valuable resources.