This is an iconic tree, so if you'd be so kind as to ooh an aah for just a moment, I'd appreciate it.
"Flag-trees" are found anywhere in the world where there is a constant air stream. They are not a species of tree, but a name give to the way a tree grows when faced with constant onslaught of wind: horizontal.
This particular tree, a beech, is found on the Estancia Haberton overlooking the Beagle Channel. Its fame arises from its location. Many gorgeous photos of it can be found in beautiful Tierra del Fuego photo books and on postcards from the area. On a sunny day, the photos can be quite spectacular.
We had sun only in brief spurts, so our photo is not up for this years National Geographic photo contest. Whatever, the tree is spectacular in real life, particularly when you consider what the wind must be like day after day after day for a tree to grow that way.
I don't suppose many folks build tree houses in such trees. It would make for an interesting cross country jump though.
Posted by: Debbie Hanson | January 27, 2012 at 09:22 PM