Beneath the Bough

Rebuild our home, one tree at a time

Tag: environment

  • Welwitschia mirabilis

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    Hannah Ko
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    Welwitschia mirabilis Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: wel-WIT-shee-uh mir-uh-BIL-is Description: Welwitschia mirabilis is a unique plant with only two long, strap-like leaves that continue growing throughout its life. It can reach up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) in diameter and has a woody, trunk-like base. The leaves are broad, leathery, and can grow up to 4…

  • Tree of Ténéré (Acacia raddiana)

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    Hannah Ko
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    Physical Description The Tree of Ténéré, a solitary Acacia species, was notable for being the only tree for hundreds of kilometers in the Sahara Desert. It had a slender trunk and small, compound leaves adapted to arid conditions. Unfortunately, the original tree was destroyed in 1973, but efforts are underway to propagate its descendants. Environmental…

  • Kokia (Kokia drynarioides)

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    Hannah Ko
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    Physical Description Kokia is a small tree or shrub endemic to Hawaii, typically reaching heights of up to 6 meters (20 feet). It has broad, dark green leaves and produces striking, bright red flowers. The tree is adapted to dry, rocky environments and has a gnarled appearance. Environmental Concerns Kokia is critically endangered due to…

  • Nyssa sylvatica

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    Hannah Ko
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    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: NISS-uh sil-VAT-ih-kuh Description: Nyssa sylvatica is a deciduous tree that typically grows 15 to 25 meters (50 to 80 feet) tall, with a straight trunk and a rounded to pyramidal crown. It has a distinctive, irregular branching pattern. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong to ovate, measuring 5 to 12…

  • Picea sitchensis

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    Hannah Ko
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    Common Names: Sitka Spruce Phonetic Spelling: PIE-see-uh sit-CHEN-sis Description: Picea sitchensis is a large evergreen coniferous tree that can grow up to 50 to 70 meters (165 to 230 feet) tall, with some individuals reaching up to 100 meters (330 feet). The trunk diameter can be 1 to 2.5 meters (3 to 8 feet). The…