During my time traveling I have come across some wonderfully great looking plants. Many of them had different environmental requirements but all added to the beauty of an area and included great benefits just by being there (in the Sequoias you have giant trees that have roots going for miles, then in Japan I saw bamboo that was really long (not to say they don’t have their own large trees but I was in the city and you tend to see less large trees there).
And while I didn’t get to see some of the other trees I’m about to post about I believe that trees are an important resource that we need to cultivate and spread through out the world. The more plants and animals we have to support our ecosystem, the more robust and interesting it will become unlike what we have today where technically less than 1% of all creatures that ever existed still exist (based on fossils and the generalized rates at which carbon-based matter decomposes into other forms). So without
For your juniors or inexperienced potential foresters/gardeners, here is a fun little product you just might like. Giant Sequoia genuine tree seed germination kit by The Jonsteen Company. This kit includes a miniature greenhouse, seeds, soil, perlite, and instructions to get you on your way. They are normally $10.99, as of publishing this they are on sale for $6.99.
Alternatively if you don’t care about repercussions, assuming it can survive in your local environment, there is Sandbox Tree Seeds (Hura Crepitans). These were previously more readily available on Amazon, but apparently COVID has decreased their availability.
Deets: What makes this plant unique are its look, feel, effects and fruit. These grow to be up to 200 feet tall and has 2 feet long leaves. The bark of this tree is covered in dark spikes, it’s fruit once ripening is known to explosively propel seeds up to 100 feet (depending on the source these are also believed to shoot seeds up to 100 meters). The plant’s spikes, sap, and seeds are hazards to be avoided by direct touch, even indirect contact (say transfer on hands) can be harmful if touching soft tissues like eyes, nose or mouth. If you do decide to get this beautiful but quite very harmful plant, do understand that it prefers warm, wet environments, with either partial or full sunlight exposure. The one retailer I was able to find on a quick search does not include information about how to raise them, what their environment is or how to avoid potential hazards related to growing them.
TL;DR: So, if you’re still interested in them, buyer beware, they form 60 foot trees, have spikey barbs all along their bark and are known for the poisonous effects of their seeds and sap along with the explosive means by which they spread their seeds.