16 of The Most Magnificent Trees in The World ... 4 U!

16 of The Most Magnificent Trees in The World      How do I love thee, tree? Let me count the ways; you change carbon dioxide into the oxygen we breathe, you sequester carbon, and you provide shelter for countless critters. There are many reasons for which we should all be tree-hugging hippies, but within the scope of this article, all we’ll focus on is how amazing some of them look. Granted, not all of these amazing beautiful trees are trees (the Wisteria is a vine, Rhododendrons are shrubs, and bamboo technically belongs to the grass family), but we’ll give them a pass because they are amazing, huge and beautiful. So once you step outside and take a breath of fresh air, hug the nearest tree and say thank you! If you know of an amazing tree not on this list, you can submit it at the bottom of this post. 125+ Year Old Rhododendron “Tree” In Canada This huge 125-year-oldold rhododendron is technically not a tree – most are considered to be shrubs.   144-Year-Old Wisteria In Japan     At 1,990 square meters (about half an acre), this huge wisteria is the largest of its kind in Japan. Wind-Swept Trees In New Zealand These trees on Slope Point, the southern tip of New Zealand, grow at an angle because they’re constantly buffeted by extreme Antarctic winds.   Beautiful Japanese Maple In Portland, Oregon     Antarctic Beech Draped In Hanging Moss In Oregon The Antarctic beech is native to Chile and Argentina, though this specimen is from the U.S.’ North Pacific region.   Blooming Cherry Trees in Bonn, Germany This beautiful tunnel of cherry blossoms blooms in Bonn, Germany in April.   Angel Oak In John’s Island In South Carolina The Angel Oak in South Carolina stands 66.5 ft. tall and is estimated to be more than 1400 or 1500 years old.   Flamboyant Tree, Brazil The flamboyant tree is endemic to Madagascar, but it grows in tropical areas around the world. Dragonblood Trees, Yemen The dragonblood tree earned its fearsome name due to its crimson red sap, which is used as a dye and was used as a violin varnish, an alchemical ingredient, and a folk remedy for various ailments.   The President, Third-Largest Giant Sequoia Tree In The World, California President, located in Sequoia National Park in California, stands 241 ft. tall and has a ground circumference of 93 ft. It is the third largest giant sequoia in the world (second if you count its branches in addition to its trunk).   Maple Tree Tunnel in Oregon   Rainbow Eucalyptus In Kauai, Hawaii     The rainbow eucalyptus, which grows throughout the South Pacific, is both useful and beautiful. It is prized for both the colorful patches left by its shedding bark and for its pulpwood, which is used to make paper.   Jacarandas in Cullinan, South Africa These beautiful Jacarandas, with their violet flowers, grow in South Africa.     Avenue Of Oaks At Dixie Plantation In South Carolina This avenue of oak trees was planted some time in the 1790s on Dixie Plantation in South Carolina.     Baobab Trees In Madagascar These baobabs in Madagascar are excellent at storing water in their thick trunks to use during droughts.   The Dark Hedges In Northern Ireland     Image credits:Stephen Emerson  Ireland’s Dark Hedges were planted in the 18th century. This stunning beech tree tunnel was featured on Game of Thrones as well.