1. Redwoods interlock their roots in order to provide a more stable root system! They have root systems that extend over 100 feet from their base, and they basically hold hands with other redwoods so that they able to grow insanely tall and endure crazy strong winds or floods.
2. Redwoods have protective bark that is naturally resistant to insects, fungi, and fire! Their thick, reddish bark is rich in a neat chemical called tannin which allows them to kick the butt of most microorganisms.
3. Redwoods can grow different kinds of needles (what the leaves of the redwood are called). Because the trees are so darn tall, the needles at the top of the tree are exposed to more dry heat, so they grow with cute little tight spikes that conserve moisture by limiting the amount of evaporative surface. Whereas, the the needles on the lower branches are flat in order to catch any additional light that might have leaked through the thick canopy of branches.
4. Redwoods can live to be insanely old. Some redwoods grow to be at least 2,000 years old! What!? I know....2,000 years old! There are some redwoods that were around at the time of Jesus! I wish I could have a conversation with those trees! :) Oh, and they actually say that as redwoods get older, they produce more wood, that is actually better quality.
5. Redwoods have a gigantic base! In fact, they can have diameters of over 30 feet and a circumference of over 100 feet! In other words, redwoods have huge butts! Their large base helps with their stability the way a wide stance (or a large bottom) adds stability to a football player.
I know this makes me sound like a hippie (but you know what they say, "if the birkenstocks fit, wear them") but I believe we can learn a thing or too from these incredible creations! Particularly about how to grow "tall" spiritually, mentally, and physically. Wouldn't we be better off if we worked more as a team (interlocked roots), planned for the future (protective bark), were adaptable to different environments (different kinds of needles), cherished our elderly (redwoods are old), and developed a strong foundation (gigantic base)?
First off I would like to say thank you. The emotional journey upon which this roller coaster ride of a blog has taken me has been truly enlightening. It is a rare happenstance for people like me to have an opportunity to truly understand the graceful mannerisms of the glorious redwood tree. The light you have let so brilliantly shine upon this subject, as well as my life, has been nothing short of a blessing. And in response to your final question I believe the answer is no. We would not be better off if adopted these habits unto our species. If i have learned anything it is that the redwood is something to be feared. As of today the human race has a new enemy my friends. These superior beings have clearly been plotting a hostile takeover of the planet. They are in cooperation with one another in their aspirations of world domination (interlocked roots), they have an apparently indestructible armor (protective bark), they are developing WMDs in the form of poisonous, weapon-like leaves (different kinds of needles), they have been scouting our race for over 2000 years and maybe even spying on Jesus (redwoods are old), and worst of all they can't be easily pushed over, which was my initial plan for overcoming the threat (gigantic base). So what now? Am I proposing some sort of military strike of excessive force upon every forest this planet has to offer? Of course not dumb ass. But we do need to take action. Perhaps we take some of the younger redwoods hostage and train them in branch to branch combat (it may sound cute but it'll be ferocious, trust me). Or maybe we just keep warming the globe. It seems to be working so far. No matter the course of action one thing is certain. It's either us or them...
ReplyDeleteThis is the best comment I have ever read! David, I nominate you commander in chief in the branch to branch battle against the redwoods! :)
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