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A closer look at the man stood next to this enormous tree.

Plants - Trees of the World

Trees come in every shape and climate, from deserts to rainforests. Explore how different trees survive, reproduce, and shape habitats across the world.

Explore the Topic →

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Fascinating Fact

Some of the tallest trees are coastal redwoods, which can grow well over 100 metres in the right conditions.

In this Specialist Nature topic, you will explore trees from around the world and the features that help them thrive. You will look at differences between broadleaf trees and conifers, how climate affects leaf type and growth, and how trees spread their seeds using wind, water, animals, or gravity.

Key Terms

Conifer: A tree that produces seeds in cones, often with needle-like leaves, such as pine or fir.
Canopy: The upper layer of a forest formed by the crowns of trees, where many animals live and feed.
Seed dispersal: The way seeds are carried away from the parent tree, helping new trees grow in different places.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is the difference between broadleaf trees and conifers?

Broadleaf trees usually have flat leaves and often drop them seasonally, depending on climate. Conifers produce cones and commonly have needles or scales, which can reduce water loss and help in colder or drier conditions.

Why do some trees have needles instead of leaves?

Needle-like leaves have a smaller surface area, which can reduce water loss through evaporation. This helps some trees cope with cold winters, strong winds, or dry habitats where conserving water is important for survival.

How do trees spread their seeds around the world?

Trees spread seeds in different ways, including wind-blown seeds, fruits carried by animals, floating seeds moved by water, and heavy seeds that drop and roll. These methods reduce competition near the parent tree.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.

1 .

Can you identify this tree?

Photograph courtesy of Callum O'Hagan

Honey Locust

White Mulberry

Giant redwood

Northern rata

Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Metrosideros
Species: M. robusta
A massive forest tree of New Zealand.
It grows on another tree, eventually killing the host tree.
This means that its trunk is always hollow.
Its biggest threat is the possum.

2 .

Can you identify this tree?

Photograph courtesy of Ingrid Taylar

Monkey-puzzle

Palm

Sweetgum

Eucalyptus

Order: Pinales
Family: Araucariaceae
Genus: Araucaria
Species: A. araucana
An evergreen that can grow to 40 metres (130 ft).
Sometimes referred to as a 'living fossil' because of the age of the species.
It is the national tree of Chile.
The seeds are edible, although the tree doesn't produce seeds until it is approximately 30 years old.

3 .

Can you identify this tree?

Photograph courtesy of Aronlevin

Giant redwood

Ginkgo biloba

Black Poplar

Balsam Fir

Order: Pinales
Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Sequoiadendron
Species: S. giganteum
These tall trees grow to approximately 50-85 metres (160-279 ft) on average!
The oldest tree of this kind is 3,500 years.
Its wood was used for fence posts and matchsticks as it is brittle.
Can be seen at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London.

4 .

Can you identify this tree?

Photograph courtesy of © Jarek Tuszynski

Lebanon Cedar

Wych Elm

Joshua tree

Palm tree

Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Yucca
Species: Y. brevifolia
Native to southwestern North America.
Mainly found in the Mojave Desert.
The trunk doesn't have growth rings making it hard to determine the age.
Has an extensive root system - some roots can be as far away as 11 m (36 ft).

5 .

Can you identify this tree?

Photograph courtesy of Bernard Gagnon

Eucalyptus

Norway Spruce

White Mangrove

Baobab

Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Subfamily: Bombacoideae
Genus: Adansonia
Also known as bottle tree, upside-down tree and monkey bread tree.
These trees store water inside their swollen trunks.
In 'The Lion King' Rafiki makes his home in this tree.

6 .

Can you identify this tree?

Photograph courtesy of Petr Pakandl

African Cypress

Field Maple

Olive

Blue Pine

Order: Lamiales
Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Olea
Species: O. europaea
A short and somewhat squat tree.
The trunk tends to be twisted and gnarled.
The tree and its fruit are mentioned over 30 times in the Bible.

7 .

Can you identify this tree?

Photograph courtesy of Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

Ginkgo biloba

Joshua tree

Jack Pine

Baobab

Order: Ginkgoales
Family: Ginkgoaceae
Genus: Ginkgo
Species: G. biloba
A unique species of tree with no close living relatives.
Also known as the Maidenhair Tree.
Is effective in treating dementia.
The nuts are used in congee, a type of rice porridge eaten in Asian countries.

8 .

Can you identify this tree?

Photograph courtesy of Olivier BEZES

Baobab

Swamp Cypress

Lebanon cedar

Wych Elm

Order: Pinales
Family: Pinaceae
Genus: Cedrus
Species: C. liban
This species forms forests at high altitudes.
Ancient Egyptians used its resin in mummification.
Its sawdust has been found in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs.
Isiah, the Hebrew prophet, used this tree as a metaphor for the pride of the world.

9 .

Can you identify this tree?

Photograph courtesy of roger4366

Banyan

Joshua tree

Ginkgo biloba

Drooping Juniper

Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Species: F. benghalensis
Native to the Indian subcontinent.
Also known as Bengal fig.
It is seen as sacred in India and temples are placed underneath it.
Has a large and deep shade - perfect for escaping the heat of the sun.

10 .

What are miniature trees such as this known as?

Photograph courtesy of Jeffrey O. Gustafson

Origami

Bonsai

Coppice

Sushimi

A Japanese art form involving miniature trees.
The tradition goes back over a thousand years.
In the 1800s, these trees were displayed at Meiji Palace for the Emperor.
This art form has spread worldwide.
In a traditional Japanese home, this tree is placed on the formal display alcove.