Tree Growing in the South Atlantic Islands
We hope this message will allow us to contact persons that would like to help an on going project with a member of the Redwood tree family. The Dawn Redwood (Taxodiaceae, Metasequoia, Glyptostroboides) has been growing on Earth for about 200 million years. It was "rediscovered" by the science community in 1947. Since that time, the tree has done well throughout a vast range of climate ranging from Alaska and Russia to places like Hawaii. This tree is the "parent" of the much more famous Giant Costal Redwood of California (the tallest trees in the world) and the mighty Sequoia of the Sierra Mountains (the most massive trees on Earth). No bugs, livestock, or disease has yet been found that will kill this tree. Some of the trees, outplanted after 1947, are now more than 30 meters tall. Many of the old growth trees in central China are twice that tall.
We have learned a great deal about the Dawn but we are still amazed with each new project as to how hardy, beautiful, fast growing, and adaptable this tree is. We want to find out how well the tree can grow on the various South Atlantic Islands. We will be happy to supply the seeds at no cost. We will provide the information for sprouting, growing, and outplanting. The tree can also be reproduced by cuttings or rootstock once is has taken to its new home. The Dawn Redwood is deciduous, producing a light green leaf at the beginning of the growing season and a beautiful copper color at the end of the season. The tree grows fast even in poor soils, doing equally well on flat land or steep hillsides. It can also grow in lakes, swamps, and creeks. It is an outstanding yard tree. The roots are not a danger to foundations or sewer systems.
The wood of the Dawn is highly prized for its lightweight but strong nature. Over time, the wood turns from a light red to a near black color. Some buildings in Central China, built of this wood, are reported to be nearly 1000 years old and still show no signs of wood failure or pest damage. The wood is used for furniture and art objects because of its beautiful grain and ability to be formed.
We want to find people that are interested in outplanting this tree on the South Atlantic Islands. The only costs will be some enjoyable time sprouting the seeds and the labor of digging the holes when planting season arrives. We do not expect a large-scale operation; even a few trees or a single tree would make us happy. If you are interested in this project, please contact me by e-mail or postal mail.
We have no idea what, if any, restrictions your government places on the import of seeds (we have never had any problems with other locations) so please make sure you are informed as to any requirements in that area. If the Dawn Redwood does well on the islands then we have two or maybe three other members of this same family of trees that we might consider for outplanting. If you can pour water, you can sprout this tree in 10 to 40 days so we know you are going to have fun. This could be a great project for young people, seniors, schools, and churches.
Sincerely,
Charles R. Nelson
785 Kyle Street
San Jose, CA 95127
USA
The Photos Show Tom Miller, who nurtured the ssaplings of Lodgepole Pine - thousands of them - after the Military shipped them to the Falklands. Bob Reid explains about the Shelterbelt programme. Finally, Ailsa Heathman plants a Lodgepole Pine on her land as part of the Shelterbelt Programme.
