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What is a tree??

 

Broadly speaking a tree can be defined as a deciduous or evergreen, long living, woody perennial plant of, usually a single stem, but can grow multi stems and still be considered a tree, also with great variation in height and size i.e. larger than a shrub. Trees are divided into two different groups: 

 

angiosperms - trees producing a flower which contains a seed in an ovary which forms part of their protective fruit when the seed ripens.

 

gymnosperms - trees who reproduce by the use of cones bearing naked ovules on the scales of the cone.

 

 

For ease of purpose this website has defined trees within it as either deciduous or coniferous. Each tree is identified using its botanical name and a list of content for both deciduous and coniferous trees can be accessed via the main menu at the top of this page.

In order to provide accurate identification each tree is primarily given its botanical (A.) and secondly its common name* (B.) as well each relevant web page contains pictures of:

  1. Habit

  2. Bark

  3. Leaf

 

* There are some trees which do not have a common name i.e Magnolia trees and are therefore identified by cultivar in the botanical name.

 

Maximum approx. height  is given in metres

Maximum approx. spread of crown is given in metres

* Measurements given are only indicative of eventual size dependant upon environmental and localised habitat

How to use this website

Example:

 

A.   Cryptomeria japonica

 

B.   Japanese Red Cedar

1. HABIT - the appearance, shape and height of a tree

2. BARK - outer epidermis of main stem and branches, providing protection and support

3. LEAF - foliage that provides the tree with physiological process for making energy to grow

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