I Beleaf in Miracles Trivia Quiz

Answer: It produces red sap.

The Dracaena cinnabari, or dragon blood tree, gets its name from the red resin that trickles out when the bark is scratched. Indigenous populations have known of the medicinal properties of this resin for thousands of years and traded the sap from this tree with the ancient Greeks and Romans.

These trees usually grow close together in order to provide shade for any of the seedlings on the ground. Found on the Socotra archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the dragon blood tree is still used in the twenty-first century to make medicine, dye, and incense.

Answer: Bristlecone pine

Bristlecone pines are known for their great age as well as their ability to thrive in very adverse growing conditions. Found in the high altitude regions of the western United States, the bristlecone grows in areas of high wind, low temperatures, short growing seasons, and often low precipitation.

These trees grow so slowly that, during some years of really poor weather, they don't even add a ring of growth. The advantages of this slow growth include resistance to insects, fungi, erosion, rot, and insects. Like all plants, this bristlecone grows more rapidly in more favorable conditions such as lower elevation and less rocky soil.

It is those found in the highest elevations and most difficult conditions that achieve the great ages they are known for, as well as the twisted shapes that are often seen in the older trees.

These amazing trees can grow to ages of over 5,000 years old.

Answer: A Lewis Carroll poem

The name Boojum tree comes from the Lewis Carroll poem "The Hunting of the Snark" written around 1875. This tree is found on the Baja California Peninsula, and is often mistaken for a cactus. These trees are tall, thin, and extremely rigid. Many have only a couple of branches, usually only a foot or two long.

This tree thrives in the hot, arid conditions found in Baja, and are very slow growing. Their skinny branches contain very small leaves which catch the morning moisture on which it depends.

Answer: Cypress knees

Cypress knees are the woody growths that are seen growing under Cypress trees located in the swamp. They seem to grow over the roots and their exact function is a matter of scholarly debate. Some scientists think they may help in absorbing more oxygen, while others believe they serve to anchor trees found in soft muddy ground. Various types of cypress trees are found in many parts of the world and appear to favor warmer climates.

Answer: True

The strangler fig is a epiphytic tree that grows quickly around the host tree, usually in a jungle environment. Seedlings send out a complex system of roots that snake down the host in order to collect nutrients. When the roots reach the ground they start competing with the host tree for food and water.

These elaborate root systems have been known to swallow buildings, as is depicted in this photo. As the roots of the strangler fig grow thicker and more wide-spread they squeeze the trunk of the host tree and cut off its flow of nutrients.

This parasitic tree can remain alive for centuries after the host has died by using the host for support.

Answer: True

The loblolly pine is one of the fastest growing trees on the planet and is extremely important to the lumber industry. The term loblolly means "mud puddle" or "low wet place", which is an excellent description of the terrain in which this tree grows. This pine tree rarely has any low branches but makes a wonderful home to many arboreal species which live in them safe from ground predators.

This tree can grow multiple feet each year until maturity is reached, at which time it is usually over 100 ft.(30.48m) tall.

They reach maturity at around 45-50 years of age, and live to about 250 years old, depending on location and weather.

Answer: North America

The tulip tree is a wonderful shade tree native to North America. The name is derived from the tree's beautiful flowers which bear a resemblance to the tulip. Part of the magnolia family of trees, these trees grow fast so it is important to plant them in locations that do not have wires overhead.

They are somewhat drought resistant and are usually grown as a decorative plant rather than for lumber.

Answer: Mountains

Sometimes called Mountain hemlock, the tsuga is a tall, slow growing conifer. Usually found in high altitude mountainous regions, the tsuga needs cool weather and high rainfall. They can withstand heavy snowfall and are a very sturdy tree. The tsuga is found in the northern regions of North America and Asia and is used to make wood pulp, perfume, and tea.

Answer: The Tree of Life

The baobab is a prehistoric tree that is very well adapted to its dry environment. During the yearly rainy season it absorbs vast amounts of water into its large trunk. During the dry season, when there is very little vegetation available for consumption, the baobab produces a nutritious fruit that is eaten in many areas of the African continent.

It is this fruit that has led to the tree being called "The Tree of Life". The baobab is a slow growing tree with a life span of up to 5,000 years.

Answer: Sugar maple

The sugar maple grows in the southern areas of Canada and the northern areas of the U.S. It is well known for its colorful fall foliage as well as being the source of maple syrup. It is a very common tree, that can withstand cold winters, high winds, and requires minimal care. Sugar maples are not usually recommended for lawns or residential areas because they require substantial water, grow to a large size, and have slow growth patterns.