Not Just for Climbing…

Oak. Maple. Redwood. Dogwood. Elm. Eucalyptus.

These are just a few of the more commonly known trees.

But did you know that there are more than 23,000 different types of trees in the world?

Now consider these additional facts, reported by the North Carolina State University’s Department of Horticultural Science:

• Trees are the largest living organism on earth. For example, giant sequoia trees can weigh more than 2,000 tons (the equivalent of four million pounds).
• Hundreds of food products (such as fruit, coffee and nuts) and food additives (for ice cream and chewing gum, for example) come from trees.
• Each year, one person uses wood and paper products equivalent to a 100-foot tree, 18 inches in diameter.

If you keep learning facts such as these, you’ll soon be an expert in dendrology (see definition below).

Speak your mind: What are the most common trees in your area, and what role do they play in your environment?

DENDROLOGY: The study of trees.