Since we got you used to our short trips around the world in the search of the strangest things that occur, you won’t be surprised that today we will focus a bit on some very strange trees, as not only the animal reign is interesting, surprising and ever – challenging (as new species are being discovered quite often by researchers and biologists). Some trees around the world should be seen as touristic objectives in themselves, as some species are truly amazing, not to mention downright weird. So next time when you decide to spend your holidays in some exotic destination and show some interest in the fauna there, look into the flora also, because Mother Nature had some bizarre sense of humor when shaping certain trees, shrubs and flowers. So today we will pack our bags, charge the camera’s batteries and travel planet Earth in the search of strange trees around the world.

1. The Sausage Tree – Kigelia africana

If you were still intrigued by the natural diversity of this world, the sausage tree might remind you that some exotic species aren’t at all how you imagine “trees” in general or how you conceptualize them in drawing. The sausage tree is native to Africa and if you take a look at it from a distance, you will think somebody made a joke. In truth, this tree’s fruits look like chubby sausages but they are not quite your newest exotic dish, as they are toxic if consumed fresh. However, traditional African medicine and home made cosmetics include these fruits in local blends and mixes.

2. The Handkerchief Tree – Davidia involucrata

This is one of the most amazing strange trees around the world, because its white large leaves (reaching sometimes even 25 centimeters in length) look like somebody turned the tree into a DIY project of handkerchief hanging just for the fun of it. This tree originates in China and is also known as the “dove tree” because in windy days, the white leaves look like birds flying.

3. Jabuticaba – Plinia cauliflora

This is among our favorite strange trees around the world, because it looks like a very stubborn, independent and original life form: its flowers and fruits develop and grow not only on the young branches, but also on the thick, old branches and also the trunk. So next time you travel to South America and happen to stumble upon a tree covered with tiny fruits that look some sort of berries that cover the tree entirely, don’t think there is a disease going on, but pick some fruits and try them, as they are edible in their fresh form, in all sorts of sweet products and in fruit punch.

4. The Indian Banyan – Ficus benghalensis

If you travel to India, watch out for this amazing tree that has the amazing talent of growing aerial roots which develop downward, get stuck in the ground and grow so thick and strong, they begin look like a normal tree’s trunk. So if you happen to see a bunch of trees with close trunks, you might be in the presence of a single Banyan. It is a sacred tree in India and you will see many praying places and worship temples hosted by these natural pillars.

5. The Rainbow Eucalyptus   – Eucalyptus deglupta

Some strange trees around the world impress by their leafage, their bizarre fruits or the way they seem to defy the laws of nature that we know about and prove us we don’t actually know much. Other trees however, are spectacular to see with your own eyes, because sometimes, they look like true paintings. For instance, the Rainbow Eucalyptus (easy to be found in Indonesia, the Philippines or New Guinea) looks like Nature was getting bored one day and decided to try painting on its bark. So now this tree’s trunk is a display of abstract colored spots and trails which are jolly and amazing to see with your own eyes. Everybody loves this rainbow tree and landscape artists plant it in gardens or parks for a touch of true natural beauty.

Do you have your own favorite strange trees around the world? How about the Traveler’s Tree or the Desert’s Rose or some funny cactus species? In your travels, did you meet such incredible manifestations of natural diversity and beauty?