Ent tree crowned New Zealand's Tree of the Year

An unusual northern rata, nicknamed the “walking tree,” has been crowned New Zealand’s Tree of the Year for 2024. The centuries-old tree, which appears to cross an empty field with its stump-shaped trunks, looks strikingly like the Entei from “The Lord of the Rings.”

Wonderful tree

the North Rata (Metrosiderus robusta) is one of the tallest flowering trees in New Zealand. It can live Up to 1000 yearsWith its long, arm-like roots and branches, one of these strange-looking giant trees stands alone in the middle of a large enclosure near Karamea, on the west coast of the South Island. According to New Zealand Tree LogIt measures approximately Height 32 metersAbout the height of a seven-story building.

This animated tree won 42% of the public vote in the New Zealand Forestry Association (NZ Arb) Tree of the Year 2024 award, beating five other finalists.

Great story

It is not known exactly how old this northern rat is. We only know that it is The sole survivor of a forest that was cleared about 150 years ago. By a farming family.

Note that northern ratta are epiphytes, a type of tree that originates and begins its life on the surface of another tree called the host. Initially, these trees grow in the canopy of the latter, where they feed on air and rainwater. Over time, they form aerial roots that extend into the ground, allowing them to establish themselves independently.

In the case of the moving tree, the particular arrangement of its roots is the result of its growth around its host which likely followed a structure that no longer exists today.

Endangered species

Northern ratas are Endemic to New Zealand It was once among the most common species in the country's forests. However, its range has declined in recent decades and it is now classified as nationally endangered, according to the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network.

In addition to deforestationThe main threats affecting the northern ratta are: Invasive common opossum (Trichosaurus vulpicola) which destroy trees by eating their leaves and gnawing their roots.

These trees are also threatened. Hybridization with pōhutukawa (Metrosiderus excelsa) which are closely related to them. Finally, they are susceptible to myrtle rust (Astrobochenia in Sidi), a pathogenic fungus native to South America.