The Perpetual Christmas tree

The Perpetual Christmas Tree

Sounds great doesn't it ? All of us could do with one of these in our garden. Christmas every day!

According to Professor Kullman from Umea University in Sweden, this super tree has been in existence for
nearly 10,000 years. Long before man appeared. This incredible tree, found at an altitude of nearly 3,000 feet
has cracked the secret of eternal life it seems. It confirms what I have often thought, that trees are much smarter
than we give credit for.

To look at it, the impression is given of a fairly weak and straggly tree about 12 foot high, So what is its secret
of long life. Aha - now all is not as it appears. The secret lays below the surface. It is the root system that has
endured the centuries. The trees trunk and branches can live for around 600 years and when it dies a new
stem appears from the root. This root has been Carbon Dated.

In other words it is cloning itself. Is that clever or what ? Scientists have spent millions of dollars trying to clone
a dog, but that is another story.

The ability of trees to survive for thousands of years is well documented. On the White Mountains of California,
Bristle Cone Pines have been dated at around 5000 years. Some research has shown that Huron Pines
growing in Tasmania can be traced back more than 10000 years.

What always amazes me is the length of time that the wood of some trees can still be good after centuries. In
particular the English Oak has a special place in my heart. Some Oak beams and planks have been found that
were buried in the ground for around 1400 years and still sound. Then there are the Oak beams that can be seen
in buildings, that are hundreds of years old. Still looking as good as the day that they were placed there.

The roof of King's College Chapel, University of Cambridge was built around 1444 in the reign of Henry V1.
It is still sound as a bell with its wonderful Oak beams supporting the roof. How wood lives so long
without nourishment fascinates me.

Whenever I see a fully mature Oak tree in all its glory, I am filled with wonder at this work of nature,

I have stood inside the hollow trunk of the Major Oak in Sherwood Forrest, of Robin Hood fame. A real
experience. It is still there but the public are not allowed to enter now. It is fenced off and its branches
supported by steel jacks. Its circumference is 33 ft. About 10 ft diameter inside the trunk.

Trees have often been found buried underground, especially Oaks which were at one time the foundation for
a building long gone. The reason is not too hard to find. " The father of Architects" (Vitruvius) was quoted
as saying that Oak when buried underground, will last forever. Also that Elder never decays in the same
circumstances.

My advice to you. Whenever you are feeling low, go hug your favorite tree. It has seen everything in its time
and it feels solid and reassuring.

I am Bly Grant. Go Now to my site and sign up to plant a tree. It costs you nothing. Get some freebies. You can
then become a member of my "family tree."
http://simurl.com/webzim