Category: Trees

  • Picea sitchensis

    Common Name Picea sitchensis is commonly known as the Sitka spruce. Description Picea sitchensis is a large, evergreen coniferous tree known for its towering height, straight trunk, and sharp, stiff needles. Key characteristics include: Location/Distribution Picea sitchensis is native to the west coast of North America. Its distribution includes: Environmental Concerns Sitka spruce has a…

  • Toromiro (Sophora toromiro)

    Physical Description Toromiro is a small, flowering tree or shrub native to Easter Island. It has a gnarled, twisted trunk with smooth, gray bark and pinnate leaves. The tree produces bright yellow flowers that are pollinated by insects. Toromiro is well adapted to the arid conditions of Easter Island. Environmental Concerns Toromiro is extinct in…

  • Bambusoideae (Bamboo)

    Description: bamboo (subfamily Bambusoideae) is a versatile and ecologically significant group of plants known for their rapid growth, strength, and diverse uses. While beneficial in many contexts, certain species’ invasive potential requires careful management to prevent environmental impacts. Bamboo plays a crucial role in both human culture and natural ecosystems, providing resources, habitat, and environmental…

  • Liquidambar

    Common Name Liquidambar is commonly known as sweetgum. Description Liquidambar is a genus of deciduous trees known for their distinctive star-shaped leaves, spiky fruit, and vibrant fall colors. Key characteristics include: Location/Distribution Liquidambar species are native to North America, Central America, and parts of Asia. Key species include: Sweetgum trees thrive in a variety of…

  • Baobab (Adansonia grandidieri)

    Physical Description The Grandidier’s Baobab is the largest and most famous of the six baobab species found in Madagascar. It has a massive, cylindrical trunk that can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet) in height and 3 meters (10 feet) in diameter. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray, with sparse branches at the…