10 strangest trees in the world and where travellers can find them

Some trees are so weird that they look more like something from a fairy tale than a living plant. There are umbrella-like trees, bottle-like trees, giant mushroom-like trees, and upside down-rooted trees found all around the world. Some trees have existed for hundreds of years in tough climates, while some are filled with myths, spirituality, and mysteries. These remarkable trees are not just botanical curiosities—they are destinations in themselves, drawing photographers, hikers, nature lovers, and adventure travellers from across the globe.
This list includes ten weird but amazing trees that travellers will come across all around the world.

The tree has an umbrella-like top and twisted branches, looking like something out of a science fiction movie. What makes it even weirder, however, is its dark red sap, called “dragon’s blood.” In ancient times, this sap was used as dyes, medicines, incense, and varnishes. It has evolved into such a form due to its habitat on Socotra.
Where to find it: Socotra Island, Yemen

One of the most famous trees is the Baobab, known for its bloated trunk and branches that look like roots hanging up in the air. Hence, the tree is often called the "upside-down tree." Baobab can live longer than 1,000 years by storing up to thousands of liters of water in the trunk in order to survive long dry periods. In Madagascar, an impressive avenue of such trees, called the Avenue of the Baobabs, is among the most photographed places in the whole country.
Where to find it: Madagascar, mainland Africa (Tanzania, Botswana)

The Rainbow Eucalyptus has a natural appearance similar to artificial colouring. When the bark peels off itself, it unveils stripes of different colours ranging from green to blue, orange, maroon, and even purple. Thus, the colors are changing continuously. Being native to tropical areas, the tree grows fast enough and can be quite tall. The Rainbow Eucalyptus became quite popular among travellers because of its painted-looking trunk.
Where to find it: Philippines, Indonesia, Hawaii

The Giant Sequoia is one of the biggest living beings on Earth in terms of volume. Their height can go up to 250 feet and their lifespan can be over 3,000 years. Being next to them feels more like being in front of a natural monument rather than looking at a tree. The best example in this case is the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park, believed to be the largest living single-stem tree on Earth by volume.
Where to find it: California, United States

The most popular story about the walking ability of this rainforest tree is the myth about the Walking Palm, which seems to walk from place to place. The structure of its roots makes the tree stand firmer in the mud of the rainforest and creates an illusion of it walking.
Where to find it: Costa Rica and some places of the Amazon Rainforest

India’s banyan tree is known for having an enormous root system, as a result of which one tree may look like an entire forest. One of the best examples is The Great Banyan tree in Kolkata, covering several acres. This amazing tree is known for being able to survive even after its main trunk was cut because of a disease in the 19th century.
Where to find it: Kolkata, India

The Cannonball Tree has very heavy, round fruits, which look like orange-rusty cannonballs hanging directly from the tree trunk. Once they fall off the tree, they split open to emit a strong odor that attracts wild animals. The Cannonball Tree is loved by people because of the fragrant flowers it bears. In South Asian countries, the tree is planted around the temple because of its religious significance in Buddhism.
Where to find it: Sri Lanka, India, and South America

Located close to the Polish town of Gryfino is the Crooked Forest. Here, hundreds of pine trees are bent dramatically from the middle of their trunk up into the sky. However, it remains a mystery as to what made the trees take this strange shape. While some speculate that it was done on purpose during World War II, others are not convinced and believe it could be due to excessive snow or gravity.
Where to find it: Poland

The Boab tree of Australia is characterized by its thick and swollen trunk, which retains moisture during periods of drought. The largest of these trees have such a diameter that people living in ancient times found shelter from rain inside the trunk. Their unique appearance contrasts sharply against the background of the Australian landscape in western Australia.
Where to find it: Kimberley

The sight of gigantic kapok tree roots stretching over the ruins of Ta Prohm is considered one of the most incredible and impressive tourist places in the world. The huge tree roots wind around the ruins of an ancient stone structure, creating the impression that the jungle gradually devours the architectural complex. It achieved worldwide fame due to its portrayal in movies and photographs, thus making Ta Prohm one of the most popular destinations in Cambodia.
Where to find it: Near Angkor Wat, Cambodia