Ugly for a Reason

This photo was taken on August 13, 2014 at 8:18 AM

The location was in a circular drive outside a side entrance to a very nice hotel in Tyson's Corner, Virginia.

The "Take it!" came after looking at this sample of what has to be one of the most ugly bark arrangements ever to be on the outside of a trunk of a tree. I had looked at it many times and thought maybe it might just be a seasonal thing and the flaky part of it would drop off and a smoother surface would emerge. No such thing has been in the offing - so am reconciled to the fact that this is as good as it is going to get - lol.

The After Take: I have not shown this photo to many but to those whom I have - they all agree - it certainly is not one of natures beautiful displays.

I can only surmise that this type of tree has gotten its bark to this shape via evolution that may have had animals gnawing on it at one time or some weather condition that called for this random flaky look for ventilation or some other circulatory reason.

After looking at the photo for some time - it appears that there is a bit of bark on the right side of the trunk at about midway down that looks like a tongue sticking out. I do not know if others can see this - but if you can - I think it is perhaps a message telling anyone that has critical comments about the tree - exactly what it thinks - lol

I will keep looking for the beauty available with this tree - but think that I will not find it on the outside and will be content with knowing that it is thriving and probably quite happy to be among the living.

Wishing all of you a blue sky day like the one in which this photo was taken.

Bruce

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Comments: 7

#1
Sf1967 (Saturday, 25 October 2014 13:50)

Ya that thing wouldn't last at our house. My wife would make me cut it down.
#2
Gabe (Saturday, 25 October 2014 13:51)

I have never seen a tree like this before.
#3
Jim (Saturday, 25 October 2014 13:51)

It looks like its dying. But it still has leaves, how strange.
#4
Sally (Saturday, 25 October 2014 13:52)

I dont know whether to think its an interesting tree or feel sorry for it
#5
Yuppie7 (Saturday, 25 October 2014 13:53)

too many animals clawin at it and climbin up and down lol
#6
MHampy (Saturday, 25 October 2014 13:53)

I am going to show this to our earth science teacher and see if he can explain this one.
#7
whutzzat (Saturday, 25 October 2014 17:48)

Sally: I think you have hit the nail on the head. I further think you could engage in both feelings at once and not have to choose.

MHampy: Thanks for taking this one to an expert. Please let us know any specifics that you find out.

Thanks to everyone for your interesting and fun comments