tree tree perennial plant elongated stem trunk supporting branches leaves species definition tree narrower including woody plants secondary growth plants usable lumber plants specified height trees taxonomic group include variety plant species independently evolved woody trunk branches way tower plants compete sunlight senses taller tree trees trees tend long lived reaching thousand years old tallest known tree coast named stands high trees existence million years estimated mature trees world tree typically secondary branches supported clear ground trunk trunk typically contains woody tissue strength tissue carry materials tree trees surrounded layer bark serves protective barrier ground roots branch spread widely serve anchor tree extract moisture nutrients soil ground branches divide smaller branches shoots shoots typically bear leaves capture light energy convert providing food tree growth development flowers fruit present trees conifers instead seed tree produce spores instead trees play significant role reducing erosion climate remove carbon dioxide atmosphere store large quantities carbon tissues trees forests provide habitat species animals plants tropical habitats world trees provide shade shelter timber construction fuel cooking heating fruit food having uses parts world forests trees cleared increase land available agriculture longevity trees revered sacred cultures play role world definition tree term common universally recognised precise definition tree common language sense tree plant general form elongated stem trunk supports leaves branches distance ground trees typically defined height smaller plants called shrubs minimum height tree loosely defined large plants trees broad sense commonly applied narrower definition tree woody trunk formed secondary growth meaning trunk year growing addition primary upwards growth growing tip definition plants considered trees regardless height growth form stem certain considered trees slightly definition tree secondary growth produce true wood growth rings produce pseudo wood cells formed primary growth aside structural definitions trees commonly defined use instance plants yield lumber overview tree growth habit evolutionary adaptation found different groups plants growing taller trees able compete better sunlight trees tend long lived reaching thousand years old tall trees modified structures thicker stems composed specialized cells add structural strength allowing grow taller non woody plants spread foliage differ shrubs woody plants usually growing larger having single main stem distinction small tree large clear confusing fact trees reduced size environmental conditions mountains areas tree form evolved separately unrelated classes plants response similar environmental challenges making classic example parallel evolution estimated species number trees worldwide total percent living plant species greatest number grow tropical regions areas fully surveyed making tree diversity ranges poorly known trees exist different groups higher plants trees include conifers produce seeds enclosed fruits open structures pine tough leaves pine trees true named seeds contain seed leaves trees old flowering plants called basal include trees bamboo wood gives structural strength trunk tree supports plant grows larger system trees allows water nutrients chemicals distributed plant trees able grow large trees relatively tall plants need draw water stem roots produced water leaves insufficient water available leaves die main parts trees include root stem leaves integral parts system living cells trees plants develop wood allows expansion tissue produces woody growth growth stem woody plants develops gives rise cells protect surface plant reduce water loss production wood production forms secondary growth trees having foliage remains green year deciduous leaves end growing season having dormant period foliage conifers deciduous dropping autumn species shed small shoots annually process known crown spreading tree including branches leaves layer forest formed crowns trees known canopy young tree tall undergo secondary growth produce wood tall terminal main stem develop large arranged leaves tree order tall straight growing metres composed wood grow vertically covered numerous roots distribution number trees world according estimate tropics sub tropics temperate zones coniferous forests estimate times higher previous estimates based tree measured plots remains subject wide margin error samples mainly europe north_america estimate suggests billion trees cut annually billion planted years start human agriculture number trees worldwide decreased suitable environments queensland mixed forest new_zealand forest stable climatic climax community end plant succession open areas grassland taller plants turn way trees eventually form forest canopy cool temperate regions conifers widely distributed climax community far north northern hemisphere moist northern coniferous forest called forest world largest land forming world forest cover long cold winter far north unsuitable plant growth trees grow rapidly short summer season temperature rises days long light limited dense cover little plant life forest floor fungi similar woodland found mountains altitude causes average temperature lower reducing length growing season rainfall relatively evenly spread seasons temperate regions temperate mixed forest species like oak beech birch maple found temperate forest found southern hemisphere example temperate forest characterized forest open woodland tropical regions monsoon monsoon like climate drier year wet period amazon different species broad trees dominate forest deciduous tropical regions drier climate insufficient rainfall support dense forests canopy closed plenty sunshine reaches ground covered grass adapted living areas parts function roots roots tree serve anchor ground gather water nutrients transfer parts tree reproduction defence survival energy storage purposes root emerge seed process develops goes straight downwards weeks lateral roots branch grow horizontally upper layers soil trees eventually away wide spreading remain near tip finer roots single cell root hairs immediate contact soil particles absorb water nutrients potassium solution roots require oxygen species pond live permanently soil soil roots encounter hyphae fungi known form relationship tree roots specific single tree species flourish absence mycorrhizal associate associate species tree minerals fungus products tree hyphae fungus link different trees network formed transferring nutrients place fungus promotes growth roots helps protect trees predators limit damage tree pollution fungus accumulate heavy metals tissues fossil evidence shows roots associated mycorrhizal fungi early million years ago plants dry land trees species relationship species fix nitrogen air converting root roots bacteria live process enables tree live low nitrogen habitats unable thrive plant called initiate root formation process closely related mycorrhizal association demonstrated trees root system forming colony process kind natural tissues tests demonstrate networking performed chemicals radioactive tree checking presence neighboring trees roots generally underground tree tree species evolved roots aerial common purposes aerial roots kinds contribute mechanical stability tree obtain oxygen air instance mechanical stability red develops prop roots loop trunk branches descend vertically mud similar structure developed indian large trees roots lower trunk tree like angle provide stability reducing sway high winds particularly prevalent tropical soil poor roots close surface tree species developed root extensions pop soil order oxygen available soil excess water root extensions called present black pond trunk main purpose trunk raise leaves ground enabling tree reach light survive tree plants shade performs task transporting water nutrients roots aerial parts tree distribute food produced leaves parts including roots case layer trunk bark composed dead cells provides thick covering living inner tissue protects trunk elements disease animal attack fire large number fine breathing pores called oxygen bark continually replaced living layer cells called london plane periodically sheds bark large similarly bark silver birch strips tree expands newer layers bark larger older layers develop species trees pine species bark sticky attackers rubber trees latex bark tree contains bitter substances bark large tree like plants tree true bark outer protective covering form bark functions protective barrier attacked boring insects beetles lay eggs larvae way tissues leaving gallery tunnels allow fungal spores gain attack tree dutch disease caused fungus species carried tree beetles tree growth fungus blocking tissue carrying upwards branch eventually tree deprived dies britain 1990s million trees killed disease layer bark known involved transport containing parts tree soft layer living cells arranged end end form tubes supported cells provide include strengthening tissue inside layer cells cell thick called layer cells continually dividing creating cells outside wood cells known inside newly created composed water conducting cells associated cells living usually pale colour transports water minerals roots upper parts tree oldest inner progressively converted new formed cells blocked species surrounding cells dead usually darker colour dense central core trunk giving quarters dry mass remainder complex transverse section tree trunk horizontal core concentric circles lighter darker wood tree rings rings annual growth rings rays running right angles growth rings rays thin sheets living tissue wood older trees hollow stand upright years growth trees usually grow continuously year active expansion followed periods rest pattern growth related climatic conditions growth normally conditions cold dry readiness inactive period trees form protect zone active growth period leaves produced tip form scales thick small closely wrapped growing point inside rudimentary stalk folded miniature leaves ready expand growing season arrives form leaves ready produce new shoots trees naked protective scales conifers instead little pockets concealed scale like leaves growing conditions improve arrival warmer weather longer days associated spring temperate regions growth starts expanding shoot pushes way scales process leave surface year growth place weeks new stem green leaves arranged trunk tree species temperate climates second growth growth occur believed strategy compensate loss early foliage insect predators primary growth stems roots secondary growth consists progressive strengthening tissues outer layer converted bark layer creates new cells bark eventually growth tree stops gets taller damage occurs tree time hollow leaves leaves structures specialized arranged tree way exposure light important investment tree contain discourage trees evolved leaves wide range shapes sizes response environmental pressures including climate predation broad needle like simple compound entire smooth delicate tough deciduous coniferous trees compact structurally similar broad trees adapted life environments resources low water scarce frozen ground limit water availability conifers found colder places higher altitudes higher latitudes broad trees conifers fir trees branches hang angle trunk enabling shed snow contrast broad trees temperate regions deal winter weather leaves days shorter temperature begins decrease leaves longer new red yellow present blades apparent synthesis leaf plant called causes cells junction weaken joint breaks leaf ground tropical subtropical regions trees leaves year round individual leaves fall intermittently replaced new growth leaves remain intact time tropical species arid regions shed leaves annually start dry season deciduous trees flower new leaves emerge trees true leaves instead structures similar external appearance modified stem structures seen genus reproduction tree forms found wide range plants reproductive strategies substantially plant forms trees wind evolutionary adaptation advantage increased wind speeds high ground particularly case produce leaves emerge vast quantity produced low likelihood particular grain landing appropriate female flower wind flowers broad trees characterised lack parts scent production separate male female flowers separate male female trees male flowers high tree form female flowers lower tree pine trees contains air known travel far kilometres tree cause hay fever seeds seeds primary way trees reproduce seeds vary greatly size shape largest seeds come trees largest tree produces smallest tree seeds great diversity tree fruits seeds reflects different ways tree species evolved disperse offspring single extant species seeds produced ends short branches female trees tropical subtropical group produce seeds tip shoot axis seeds conifers largest group enclosed cone species seeds light blown considerable distances free cone seed remains cone years waiting trigger event liberate fire release seeds jack pine forest floor wood ash removes competing vegetation similarly number including seeds better exposure high temperatures tree grow adult tree needs light space seeds fell straight ground competition concentrated shade parent likely prevent seeds birch small wings aid dispersal wind ash trees larger seeds blade shaped wings spiral ground released tree threads catch breeze flame tree rely fire shoots seeds air sides long pods crack apart drying miniature cone like trees produce seeds contain small oil help disperse seeds surface water grow water species fruits seeds start detached parent tree float water lodged emerging successfully root seeds apple stones smaller fruits like seeds enclosed edible tissue animals including mammals birds eat fruits seeds swallow pass gut deposited animal away parent tree seeds improved processed way nuts gathered animals immediately consumed revisited rain frost seed spring pine similarly red bears help disperse seed raiding evolutionary history earliest tree like organisms tree grew forests period tree fossils found dating million years ago prior discovery earliest known tree reproduced spores seeds considered links evolved period include conifers appeared result event took place million years ago widespread diverse group survivor tree considered living fossil virtually unchanged specimens found deposits million years ago conifers flourished adapted live major terrestrial habitats subsequently tree forms flowering plants evolved cretaceous period began dominate conifers era million years ago forests covered globe climate cooled million years ago ice ages occurred forests retreated ice advanced trees land covered ice driven ice age tree ecology trees important terrestrial ecosystem providing essential habitats including kinds forest communities organisms plants species parasitic plants hang branches algae fungi provide micro habitats organisms including animals leaves flowers fruits available ground underneath trees shade leaf litter fallen branches decaying wood provide habitat trees soil prevent rapid run rain water help prevent role climate control help maintenance biodiversity ecosystem balance species tree support specialised invertebrates natural habitats different species insect found english oak species oak non native tree species provide community example united_kingdom originates southern europe associated species bark supports wide range ecosystems swamps trees play role developing habitat roots trees reduce speed flow tidal currents trap water borne sediment reducing water depth creating suitable conditions swamps tend extend suitable locations swamps provide effective damaging effects cyclones uses practice controlling establishment growth composition health quality forests areas high density trees cultivated trees planted tended humans usually provide food fruits nuts ornamental beauty type wood product benefits people small wooded area usually called grove small wood trees bushes called large area land covered trees called woodland forest area woodland composed primarily trees established planting artificial known plantation area land planted fruit trees orchard food trees source world best known fruits citrus grown commercially temperate climates wide range edible fruits found tropics commercially important fruit include dates palm oil obtained fruits oil palm fruits tree chocolate coffee trees processed extract coffee beans rural areas world fruit gathered forest trees consumption trees bear edible nuts loosely described large found inside hard shell include brazil nuts nuts regia high value contain high quality protein minerals particularly beneficial health contain higher level nuts variety extracted pressing use prized distinctive tend quickly trees flowers rich attractive bees production forest honey important industry rural areas developing world undertaken small scale traditional methods flowers elder leaves trees widely gathered fodder livestock eaten humans tend high makes bitter leaves tree eaten lime citrus thai food korean dishes european bay tree california bay tree food source tea small tree seldom reaches height heavily picking leaves easier temperate climates sudden movement end winter trees prepare burst growth north_america sugar maple production sweet liquid maple water remaining mixture certain minerals harvested drilling holes trees collecting liquid flows inserted heated concentrate improve flavour maple obtained litres sugar content exactly similarly northern europe spring rise silver birch tapped collected drunk fresh alcoholic drink alaska sweet birch sugar content sweet birch maple litres required birch parts trees include bark tree dried small fruits tree seed found fruit tree flower tree oil important obtained bark roots white tree fuel wood traditionally fuel especially rural areas developed nations fuel available collecting time consuming task necessary travel search fuel burned open fire developed countries available burning wood choice necessity modern wood burning fuel efficient new products wood available burn slow wood heating absence air carefully stacked branches oak burned limited air process converting takes hours fuel industrial uses wood smoke preserve food hot smoking process food exposed smoke heat controlled environment food ready eat process complete having smoke absorbed cold process temperature allowed rise flavour food enhanced raw food requires cooking preserved meat cured cold smoking timber timber trees grown order produce wood cut lumber wood use construction wood important easily available material construction humans started building shelters engineered wood products available particles wood form composite materials taken wood traditional uses wood construction buildings bridges piles poles power lines masts boats pit props railway fencing concrete pipes making roof doors window frames floor boards wood construct farm boats making furniture tool handles boxes musical instruments bows weapons matches clothes shoes carving toys wooden screws barrels artificial limbs wooden sports equipment wooden balls wood paper manufacture cardboard engineered wood products use construction wood conifers known broad trees hardwood art inspiring artists centuries trees create art living trees tree shaping living dead specimens sculpted fantastic shapes lit art growing miniature tree trees low sided pot practice non originated china spread japan thousand years ago similar practices cultures like living miniature landscapes vietnam non word english umbrella term miniature trees containers purposes primarily viewer pleasant exercise effort practice focuses long term cultivation shaping small trees growing container beginning cutting small tree species suitable development created nearly perennial woody stemmed tree species produces true branches cultivated remain small pot confinement crown root species popular material characteristics small leaves appropriate compact visual scope miniature deciduous forest created species japanese maple japanese tree shaping tree shaping practice changing living trees woody plants man shapes art useful structures different methods shaping tree gradual method instant method gradual method slowly guides growing tip path ways time instant method bends long shape rigid artists use living branches roots art functional structures plans grow living houses branches trees solid exterior combined interior application straw clay provide like inner surface tree shaping practised years oldest known examples living root bridges built maintained people india roots rubber tree bark produced thick bark oak harvested living trees years environmentally sustainable industry half world comes portugal largely wine bottles uses include floor tiles bulletin boards balls cigarette tips packaging joints instruments bark varieties oak traditionally europe hides bark species tree active ingredient extracted preliminary treatments skins immersed series containing solutions increasing concentrations causes hide affected water resistant attack drugs come plant sources bark trees originates tree long time remedy choice treatment malaria synthesized replace derived bark willow trees unpleasant effects anti cancer drug derived substance found bark pacific tree based drugs come tree tree life birch bark white birch tree extensively native americans covered constructed uses included food containers hunting fishing equipment musical instruments toys bark chips product timber industry growing medium plants need soil free ornamental trees trees create visual impact way landscape features sense maturity park garden grown beauty forms foliage flowers fruit bark major importance creating landscape grouped informally surrounded laid avenues specimen trees living things appearance changes season year year trees planted town environments known street trees trees provide shade cooling absorb greenhouse intercept rainfall reduce risk flooding shown beneficial humans creating sense reducing stress towns initiated tree planting programmes london example initiative plant new street trees increase tree cover equivalent tree resident uses latex sticky defensive protects plants trees produce injured main source latex natural rubber rubber tree originally create bouncy balls cloth natural rubber mainly tyres synthetic materials proved latex tree golf balls similar latex tree particularly cables walking sticks gun largely replaced synthetic materials plant defensive purpose liquid composed mainly volatile produced coniferous trees making small pin bowling balls heated driven remaining product called bows contain essential known amber formed cretaceous million years ago recently trees trapped insects spiders visible interior amber tree produces essential oil tree main source oil medicine industry care dead trees pose safety risk especially high winds severe storms removing dead trees involves financial burden presence healthy trees clean air increase property values reduce temperature built environment reduce building cooling costs times drought trees fall water stress cause tree susceptible disease insect problems ultimately lead tree death trees dry periods reduce risk water stress death irrigation accomplished use garden modified bucket mythology trees time ancient certain trees especially oak ash held special significance providing fuel building materials ornamental objects weaponry cultures similarly revered trees linking lives fortunes individuals greek mythology believed shy inhabited trees people west africa plant tree child born tree child tree fails thrive health child considered risk flowers time marriage gifts left tree periodically individual dies spirit believed live tree trees roots ground trunk branches extended sky concept found world religions tree links underworld earth holds heavens norse mythology central cosmic tree roots branches extend worlds creatures live india wish fulfilling tree emerged primitive ocean icons placed beneath tree inhabit branches grants devout tie threads round trunk democracy started north_america formed confederacy inspiring warriors original american nations bury weapons tree peace eastern white pine creation story bible tree life knowledge good evil planted god garden sacred exist china india africa places deities live living things sacred companions gods folklore lays supernatural penalties result takes place example trees protected status sacred ancient forest biodiversity greater surrounding area ancient indian tree deities tamil deity tree associated tree seen goddess offers giving fruits abundance trees trees theoretical maximum height tallest known specimen earth believed coast national park california named metres tall tallest known broad tree mountain ash growing tasmania height largest tree volume believed giant known california trunk calculation volume estimated oldest living tree verified age california pine growing dated drilling core sample counting annual rings estimated years old little south santa maria del mexico tree trunk known del diameter breast height giving tree trunk far round exact dimensions misleading includes space large roots
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