3 fascinating trees from around the world that will intrigue you with their rare features 

We all are too busy running in the rat race called life. But do you ever stop and think about the silent natural wonders surrounding us, standing tall, shadowing us with their graceful greenery? All life on planet Earth depends on trees since they selflessly grant us fresh air, food, shade, rain, hold water, and effortlessly balance the entire ecosystem.  

Trees first appeared around 360 million years ago on Earth. Currently, more than 60,000 species are known worldwide, each one serving its own unique purpose. In addition to the trees we see in and around us, there are some with rare and really interesting features. Here are three trees with unique and fascinating characteristics that will intrigue you for sure. 

Silver birch  
The silver birch is among Finland's most prevalent deciduous trees. These trees are so hardy they have a 300-year life span and can reach heights of 40 metres. Additionally, silver birch trees are among the first to grow on barren or burned-out ground.  

However, the most unique aspect is that in the snow, the white barks of the birch trees appear to be mesmerising. This is because of how evolution has changed the way their barks reflect light. The bark has evolved to reflect nearly all light that falls onto them, making them look almost silvery white. Hence the name silver birch. Even though they may not be the most distinctive trees, their beauty is unmatched when covered in snow. 

However, these are not the only features that make these trees unique. The silver birch lives with a fungal partner, whose microscopic filaments plug into the roots of the tree and spread out under the forest, literally pulling up nutrients that the tree roots can’t reach! In return, the tree provides the fungus with its sugar. A fascinating give and take relationship, isn’t it? 

Yoshino cherry 
The unusual, upright branching pattern, smooth, grey bark and vase-shaped canopy of  theYoshino cherry trees of Japan have an exquisite appearance. Japan's cherry blossom season (hanami time) is one of the most incredible natural sights in the world. This is partly due to the stunning blooms and the florets that bloom well before the leaves! Yes, the unique feature of the Yoshino cherry tree is that blooming of its cherry blossoms begins in March and April, well before the leaves emerge and plant grows into a full-sized tree. The Yoshino cherry bears many blooms for two to three weeks. First, blossoms of five petals of a pale pink appear. These mature into clusters of five to six white blossoms. Its much later in summer that the glossy green leaves emerge. In addition, the cherry blossom petals are edible! They are used in traditional Japanese sweets and teas, pickles, mochi cakes, candies, and cookies, sakura blossom tea or in cocktails. 

Dragon blood tree 
Resembling upside-down giant umbrellas or alien animals, these adorable trees are spread over a vast abandoned area of Socotra, Yemen. Although the name of the tree has nothing to do with blood or dragons, the most unique feature about the tree is also what has earned it the unusual name. It has been named dragon blood tree due to the red sap that oozes from cuts in its bark and acts as a defence mechanism against diseasees and pests. The sap that was once (back in the 17th-century) revered as a magical cure or panacea in Europe, is today backed by researchers for its medicinal properties and used as a breath freshener!